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

862A.501/6–2553: Telegram

No. 206
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France¹

secret

Washington, July 22, 1953—5:18 p.m.

256. Urtel 6637 repeated Bonn 921, London unnumbered.² Though we hoped make full presentation our views to French re German desire increase Federal Border Police during FM Conference only opportunity was brief conversation between Riddleberger and Sauvagnargues during which latter stated unequivocally French opposition would continue because matter principle involved. French could not budge when creation German national army under guise police forces threatened and this only possible reason that could underlie German ambition increase Border Police. Sauvagnargues said clear from French Intelligence internal German struggle exists between Blank and Lehr with Blank relying on EDC solution and disapproving Lehr’s efforts build up German military cadres under police cloak (our latest information from Bonn contradicts this; indicates Blank approves increase Border Police which will result in development trained men who may later be transferred German contingent EDC).

It would be most helpful if you could take this subject up with Bidault next week stressing (a) our fear that Occupying Allies may be caught unprepared on this issue with risk of many ensuing difficulties; (b) our view that ten thousand border police already authorized can not be considered military force and addition second ten thousand will in no sense change nature this security organization; (c) in light events June 17th, Bundestag resolution for increase border police seems to us reasonable security precaution, interference with which, on our part, would constitute distinct disservice to Adenauer in midst of election campaign; (d) to our last knowledge British Government substantially shares our opinion.

If point is raised that policing West German border remains Allied responsibility, you should make clear our view that whatever legal correctness this argument, fact is operating responsibility actually in German hands. Reversal trend increasing responsibility and prestige Federal Government in its own territory undesirable this late date. We give credence Federal Republic statements more men required for border duties unless obvious numbers requested out of line with real needs. View fact border mainly concerned has Iron Curtain character and view recent disturbing developments East zone difficult assert much exaggeration in German estimate 10,000 additional police needed. Our figures indicate something on order 14,000 German police and customs officials (including 700 Bavarian Border Police) covering 1380 kilometers of Soviet zone border. Without allowing for administration, time off, etc., this hardly yields three men per kilometer on 24 hour basis. Increase to five or six men per kilometer cannot be regarded as excessive under present circumstances.³

Embassy London should bring foregoing to attention Foreign Office and express hope that British will find it possible make similar approach to French.⁴

Dulles

1. Drafted by Elwood Williams (GPA) and cleared by Bonbright, Lewis, GEA, and WE. Repeated to London and Bonn.
2. Telegram 6637 reported that the Embassy in Paris had not raised the question of the increase in the border police with the Foreign Ministry due to the lack of a French Government following the resignation of AndréMayer. (862A.501/6–2553)
3. On July 24, Conant reported that financial difficulties were preventing implementation of the proposed increase in the border police and that in any case Lehr did not intend at that time to go forward with the increase without consultation with and approval by the Allied High Commission. (Telegram 393 from Bonn, 862A.501/7–2453) The following day Dillon reported that in view of these developments in Bonn he would not raise the matter with the Foreign Ministry until he had received new instructions. (Telegram 319 from Paris, 862A.501/7–2553)
4. On July 23 Aldrich reported that the question had been raised with the Foreign Office at the Departmental level where it was felt that the British shared the U.S. view and would probably make a similar approach to the French. (Telegram 360 from London, 862A.501/7–2553)