Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Germany and Austria, Volume VII, Part 1

862A.501/6–2253: Telegram

No. 199
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom¹

confidential

Washington, June 23, 1953—4:42 p.m.

8119. Urtel 6698 repeated Bonn 967 Paris 1439.² Department would have preferred increase Federal Border police be deferred until French ratification EDC assured. This position made clear Department telegrams to Bonn 4004 and 4696 repeated London 5311, 6387 and Paris 4321, 4976.³ Position also made known to Chancellor and coalition leaders several occasions. Latter understandably have wished demonstrate in pre-election period all possible measures being taken protect public order. Delays in ratification EDC by other nations, especially France, have only reemphasized need from German standpoint taking some security measures themselves.

However, now that Bundestag has voted increase we feel HICOM intervention would be extremely ill-advised since German legislation should not at this stage be set aside unless of seriously objectionable nature. Such is not the case in this instance. Furthermore, we feel that annulling this legislation might undermine prestige of Adenauer Government and have an unfavorable effect in coming elections.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Hay and cleared with BNA and WE. Repeated to Paris and Bonn.
2. Telegram 6698 reported that the British agreed that the Allied High Commission should not intervene over the Bundestag proposal, passed on June 10, to increase the strength of the border police. (862A.501/6–2253)
3. Regarding telegram 4004, see footnote 8, Document 168. Telegram 4696 reiterated the position taken in telegram 4004. (862A.501/3–2453)