611.62A/3–3053: Telegram
No. 175
The United States High Commissioner
for Germany (Conant) to the Department of
State1
4407. Reference: our telegram, 4392, March 27,2 agenda Adenauer talks. Following is text of memo in English handed me by Chancellor this morning:
“The Federal Chancellor comes to US with intention of having thorough exchange of views with President and his staff on international situation and special problems bearing upon German-American relations and those affecting Germany, aim being to make FedRep a strong and useful partner of US. To achieve this object he intends to offer contributions by FedRep.
1. Desiring to secure as early and effective a contribution as possible by Germany to security of West he would like to discuss which joint measures could be taken even before coming into force of treaties in order to avoid that delay in ratification of treaties might have harmful effects on Western defense preparedness. Item 1b of aide-mémoire presented3 is to be understood in this sense. He [Page 422] is interested in learning what repercussions, in American view, changes inside Russia following upon Stalin’s death might have on East-West conflict. If it is assumed that because of momentary feeling of insecurity Soviet side is prepared to make certain tactical concessions it seems to him advisable that goodwill of Soviets be tested by raising again question of German prisoners-of-war and civilian internees in direct talks with Soviet Russia.
2. For development of genuine partnership it is unhealthy if one of partners is only giver and other only on receiving side. Federal Government believes it is making its full and useful contribution by working towards a consolidation of European economic and social conditions along lines of American intentions. Results obtained at the EPU and the OEEC are evidence of this.
The Federal Government aims at further stabilizing and normalizing economic basis of Germany. It would seem that a German-American trade agreement along lines of agreement of 1923 could be a means to this end. In this context, Federal Government would like to stress the importance of American tariff policies since object of Federal Government ‘trade not aid’, cannot be realized without possibility of an increased export of German goods to US. Federal Government therefore would be glad to be advised whether it may count on a prolongation and possibly improvement of reciprocal trade agreements act and on early passing of customs simplification bill.
A satisfactory settlement of treatment of off-shore purchases is impending; therefore it would be desirable to discuss economic side of off-shore transactions.
For favorable development of economic relations between two countries, Federal Government holds view that settlement of problem of industrial property rights, viz., trademarks, patents and copyrights, is necessary.
A development towards partnership should, in view of Federal Government, also find its expression in political field in order to activate all German energies for this partnership. Therefore, the Federal Government is desirous of reaching and [completing?] early progress, as far as possible, in the development and handling of the present status of FedRep.
The Federal Government regards conclusion of a cultural agreement as a salutary step towards strengthening mutual relations in the cultural sphere. In view of the fact that German scientific research has not yet overcome grave reverses suffered during past two decades Federal Government considers a discussion of this problem necessary so as to provide for an effective German contribution to strengthening of Western World in this sphere, too.
[Page 423]3. Federal Government considers intelligence refugee problem as threat to political and social consolidation of West. By setting in motion fresh streams of refugees the rulers of East can at any time repeat disturbances, especially in adjacent countries. An example of this is furnished by Germany where in addition to existing millions of refugees more than 100,000 compatriots from Soviet Zone have fled since beginning of the year: To provide employment and housing for 300,000 refugees the Federal Government will this year have to spend three billion DM.
The Federal Government believes that the common danger should be met by common measures. In this respect it knows itself to be in agreement with other governments of West. For its own part it is anxious to do everything within its power to contribute to solution of the refugee problem in the world. Despite its own burdens it has made its contribution towards coping with problems arising elsewhere and will continue to do so. It would like to consult with American Government as to concerted measures to be taken to meet danger.
Among possible measures to be taken it suggests a release of MSA funds with a provision requiring counterpart funds be used exclusively for economic integration of Soviet Zone refugees. Finally Federal Government is concerned to find out whether it can count on the American Government’s support for an international refugee loan as soon as conditions for such a loan shall exist.”
- Repeated to Paris for Draper and to London.↩
- Telegram 4392 reported that due to problems in the Foreign Ministry, delay was being experienced in obtaining information concerning the forthcoming Adenauer visit. (611.62A/3–2753)↩
- On Mar. 24 Conant had cabled a five-point draft agenda for Adenauer’s visit which Hallstein and Blankenhorn had given him that morning. Item 1b of this draft dealt with the military training of German volunteers before the ratification of the EDC. (Telegram 4340 from Bonn, 611.62A/3–2453)↩