Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Europe: Political and Economic Developments, Volume IV, Part 2

No. 705

949.5262A/8–2251: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France ¹

secret

Washington, August 25, 1951—2 p.m.

1188. Interpretation to be placed on Dutch position re suspension overflights not entirely clear but in view last para (Hague’s 200 Aug 22²) assume Dutch will go along reluctantly. Uncertain whether Belgs have indicated their final views (Brussels’ 186 Aug 6³) but Brit Emb here understands from Brit Emb Brussels that Belg agrees to suspension. Dept desires confirmation Belg position and clarification whether “formal approach” (Brussels tel 217 Aug 15⁴) expected by Brussels.

As Dept and UK Emb here see it in light above and Paris tel 1148 Aug 22,⁵ way appears clear for action, with exception disposing few loose ends. If this correct suggest fol:

(1) Embs London, Paris, Brussels and Hague inform FonOffs in view results consultations carried on last month now appears possible move ahead with this joint measure for protection Western natls, particularly in connection Oatis and two imprisoned Fr natls (Paris reftel Aug 22). We therefore propose, fol substance UK suggestion, approach Czechs through Czech Amb here to indicate obstacles to better relations between US and Czech, including arbitrary arrest Oatis and other Western nationals which unless removed cld only lead further worsening relations Czech and West and this must be serious factor to be taken into acct re renewal overflight privileges. Specific mention suspension wld be avoided at least in initial approach but Czechs wld be made understand clearly action projected and reason for it. We anticipate no such mtg with Czech Amb until about Aug 29 after he presents credentials Aug 28. If so probably necessary allow week or ten days thereafter for Czechs consider matter and consult Moscow. This case CAB shld give interim notification Czech Aug 31 as on July 31 so we cld cut off overflights about Sept 7.

(2) Emb Paris may inform Fr US agreeable to their making corresponding approach Paris or Praha behalf two Fr natls concomitantly our approach Czechs here and shld express to FonMin our genuine appreciation Fr willingness act in solidarity US and UK.

(3) Emb Brussels and Hague stress again to FonOffs, if necessary, along lines recent tels particularly Deptel to Paris 1025 Aug 16⁶ need for suspension in present situation caused by arbitrary imprisonment Oatis and other Western natls which we consider matter of concern to all Western countries calling for joint as well as unilateral measures. Point out this is only one part of program of unilateral and joint action (including US prohibition private travel to Czech; vigorous statement US views on Oatis case and introduction associated resolution ECOSOC; denial mil permits for travel Czechs Western Ger with exception certain specified categories as agreed with UK and Fr; strong démarche with new Czech Amb to US; probable early action prevent exports from US to Czech) designed not only obtain release Oatis but discourage recurrence such arbitrary acts of force against Western states by Commies. For latter reason especially desire to show Czechs West acting as bloc in present circumstances. If Belgs and Dutch shld ask for similar use this measure for any their natls unjustly imprisoned for polit reasons we wld give matter sympathetic consideration (Paris tel 1178 Aug 23⁷). Finally, mention concurrence UK and Fr view these considerations. Also express our apprec Belgs and Dutch for concurrence.

Acheson

1. Drafted by Vedeler of EUR/EE; cleared by AV, GER/GPA, EUR/BNA, and EUR/WE; and approved by EUR/EE Director Reinhardt, Deputy Assistant Secretary Bonbright, and Assistant Secretary Perkins. Also sent to London, Brussels, and The Hague, and repeated to Praha and Frankfurt.
2. Telegram 200 reported that Reuchlin, Director of Political Affairs in the Netherlands Foreign Ministry, had informed American and British representatives of his government’s views on denying Czechoslovak flights over West Germany. The Netherlands was fully aware of the American position but doubted that the contemplated actions and representations would affect the release of Oatis. Reuchlin stated that possible Czechoslovak retaliation against KLM flights to Praha might result in a loss of $500,000 annually and BOAC or some other airline taking over the business. Reuchlin said his government was agreeable to drastic measures which might have to be taken but hoped they would not be solely at the expense of KLM and inferentially Sabena for the benefit of BOAC. (949.5262A/8–2251)
3. Telegram 186 reported that Ambassador Murphy had consulted with Belgian Foreign Ministry Secretary General De Gruben regarding measures to deny overflight rights to the Czechoslovak Airline. De Gruben observed that offhand he could not see how Belgian interests would be jeopardized. (949.5262A/8–651)
4. Not printed. Telegram 276 from Brussels, August 28, reported that the Embassy had been informed by the Foreign Ministry that the Belgian Government would not oppose any action which the United States, the United Kingdom, and France proposed to take and was prepared to sustain the losses which might be involved if Sabena airlines service was cut off by Czechoslovakia. (949.5262A/8–2851).
5. Telegram 1148 reported that the Embassy had just been informed by the Foreign Ministry that the French Cabinet had that morning approved suspension of Czechoslovak air service over Germany as a measure of solidarity with the United States. The French Foreign Ministry again brought up the question of two French citizens imprisoned in Czechoslovakia for long sentences for alleged political crimes. (949.5262A/8–2251)
6. Document 699.
7. Telegram 1178 transmitted a translated text of a note just received from the French Foreign Ministry formally expressing France’s willingness to associate itself with “the measures of reprisal” which the U.S. Government contemplated adopting vis-à-vis Czechoslovakia. In the note the French Government also renewed its proposal that the measures be presented as a counteraction not only to the arrest of William Oatis but of all the “citizens of Atlantic Powers who are arbitrarily imprisoned for political reasons in Czech jails” including two French citizens. (949.5262A/8–2351)