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

762.0221/6–1653: Telegram

No. 200
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Bonn¹

secret

Washington, June 25, 1953—10:01 a.m.

5625. Appreciate analysis contained urtel 5338 repeated Berlin 635, London 919, Paris 1282, Moscow 250² and previous re four power talks Germany. Subsequent telegrams re last week’s demonstrations Eastern Germany³ indicate not yet clear extent to which demonstrations and resultant repressive measures may deflect Soviet-GDR moderation pose, as well as affect pressures in Germany for such talks. Nonetheless our present views (supplementing Deptel 5527⁴) re tactics are as follows:

Believe last week’s events have considerably diminished probability Soviets in Germany will in near future try calling ACC or Kommandatura meeting. In event this should however occur suggest your position be that both Berlin Commandants and HICOMers always willing discuss matters of common interest, especially if likely produce ameliorations GDR and Eastern Berlin totalitarian regimes, but unwilling meet within framework of either old ACC or Kommandatura as West categorically rejects any return to this outmoded system four power control.

Pending Bermuda, we would in fact suggest caution re any steps you might wish initiate Germany which likely result in High Commissioner level meeting. Apart from meetings Berlin Commandants and staff members aimed restoring and bettering situation there, believe it wiser that any approaches and demands made to Soviets be confined to declarations and notes.

At same time would favor your attempting put and keep Soviets as much as possible on defensive, with aim of endeavoring deflate any further gestures they may make at conciliation, by demanding complete restoration status quo ante Berlin, perhaps even further removal those barriers to travel etc in and around city added during last year, well as immediate end to reign of terror and repression Eastern Germany (including Berlin and emphasizing hollow Soviet charges that West behind demonstrations constitutes insult to courage and will to freedom of German workers). Release of Linse, Kluge and other political prisoners (Note: GDR moves fortnight ago covered only economic cases) might well also be demanded.

Will be pleased consider any further points you might wish raise with Soviets, especially after discussing with other HICOMers, with aim further taking wind out Soviet conciliation sails, providing same do not involve risk provoking four power talks re unity and peace settlement prior Bermuda. Such might possibly be demands for greater freedom of movement for persons throughout Germany, liquidation dead areas along zonal border, all-Berlin elections, and better access to Berlin, such as sealed trains for Germans to and from Federal Republic.

Continue report attitudes and statements coalition and SPD leaders towards Western moves and positions, including four power talks.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Morris and cleared with Merchant, Riddleberger, and MacArthur. Repeated to Berlin, London, Paris, and Moscow.
2. Document 196.
3. For documentation on the demonstrations in Soviet Zone of Germany, beginning on June 16, 1953, see Documents 713 ff.
4. Telegram 5527 reported that no purpose would be served by the High Commissioners becoming involved in the SPD proposals for quadripartite talks. (762A.00/6–1353)