611.62A/5–3053: Telegram
No. 188
The United States High Commissioner
for Germany (Conant) to the Department of
State1
5132. Hallstein informed us today that Chancellor had decided for reasons Hallstein explained to Bruce (re Paris Coled 95 to Department repeated Bonn 8812) to send Blankenhorn immediately to Washington bringing special message to President. Blankenhorn plans to arrive Monday or Tuesday and will get in touch with Department immediately. Chancellor hopes very much he can be received by President to deliver written communication and to give further oral explanation of Chancellor’s views. Message is now being drafted and, according to Hallstein, will make three points:
- 1.
- Chancellor strongly supports President’s position on talks with Russians.3
- 2.
- As any three-power talks or possible four-power talks must concern Germany, Chancellor feels great responsibility for making German’s views known before decisions are taken, and looks to President to assist in bringing this about. Hallstein explained this does not mean Chancellor is asking to send observers to Bermuda but must be able to show he has taken some action to insure that Germany’s voice is heard.
- 3.
- An effort will be made in message to set forth Federal Government’s views on substance of German questions to be discussed. Hallstein said he hoped to make us a further communication on this point prior to Blankenhorn’s arrival in Washington.
Chancellor recognizes Blankenhorn’s visit will become known publicly but has no objections to this, in fact, it seems probable that he hopes object of Blankenhorn’s trip will become known as it will give evidence that he has taken action to bring Germany’s case before West powers prior to Bermuda meeting.