762A.0221/10–1954: Telegram

The Acting United States High Commissioner for Germany (Parkman) to the Department of State 1

confidential

Unnumbered. In course long private talk between Michael Rose and Knight became apparent that British position with regard change status of Berlin very close to fundamentals our position as agreed between Bonn and Berlin.

First step. Liberal and brief declaration of intent to be issued very soon. Second step. Negotiations between US, UK, and France as to implementation thereof. Third Step. Genuine consultations with Germans Fourth step. Promulgation of new status of Berlin which would closely follow but be slightly more liberal than 1952 text never promulgated.

In course conversation Michael Rose stated that above position represented his views completely and that he had “every hope” of receiving further instructions from London along these lines in near future, perhaps in time for next Deputies’ meeting, October 20. Since Rose efficient and cautious officer we can only conclude he would not have gone this far without concrete indication from Foreign Office that he is not out of step therewith Furthermore, not inconceivable that UK may try seize ball and run with it, especially re prompt issuance declaration of intent with its public relations appeal for Germans.

As result above believe agreement at Paris re issuance Berlin declaration of intent should be not only useful but well in realm of the possible.2

Parkman
  1. Repeated to Bonn, London, and Paris.
  2. For information concerning the declaration on Berlin, which was issued on Oct. 23, see the editorial note, p. 1461.