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

396.1 BE/1–754: Telegram

No. 327
The Assistant United States High Commissioner for Germany (Parkman) to the Department of State¹

confidential
niact

Berlin, January 7, 1954—8 p.m.

720. Western commandants met with Soviet representative Dengin today at British headquarters from 1030 to 1700 hours to discuss technical arrangements for Foreign Ministers conference but were unable reach agreement on building where conference to be held;² it was decided hold further meeting at Soviet headquarters Karlshort morning January 9.

British commandant as chairman proposed ACA building as most suitable for Foreign Minister conference, and French and US commandants supported this proposal. Dengin countered by proposing Soviet Embassy (to GDR) building on Unter Den Linden in Soviet sector. Long and fruitless discussion ensued as to respective merits and disadvantages two buildings, with Dengin persistently evading direct answer to query whether he proposed Soviet Embassy building for all meetings. He repeatedly stated however, he would be glad hear any alternative suggestions, and French commandant finally referred to possibility considering use of both buildings. At this point Dengin promptly indicated this principle acceptable and proposed that in interests of compromise it be agreed meetings be held alternately in Soviet Embassy building and ACA building.

French commandant then made counterproposal that chairman of each meeting be allowed to choose building site; he agreed when pressed by Dengin that in practical effect this would mean in all likelihood three meetings would be held in ACA building to every one in Soviet Embassy. British and US commandants reserved positions on French suggestion, while Dengin continued to press his proposal for alternating sites. Latter also repeatedly invited three commandants to inspect facilities at Soviet Embassy to determine their adequacy; commandants remained noncommittal this point in view their feeling that inspection visit at this time would undoubtedly be given wide publicity by Communist press and might be misinterpreted by Germans.

After further extensive and inconclusive discussion, in which all three commandants maintained objections to Dengin proposal, French commandant moved for adjournment until January 9 in order permit Dengin give further study to French suggestion; Dengin indicated his agreement to this.

British chairman also indicated to Dengin desirability discussing at January 9 meeting not only conference building issue but certain administrative problems such as joint secretariat and assurances re adequacy of arrangements for press in case any meetings held in Soviet sector. Dengin noncommittal these issues but indicated he at least prepared to discuss them.

Atmosphere of meeting was business-like and devoid of any recriminations or propaganda speeches. While Soviets were adamant in declining to accede to views of representatives other three powers re conference building, there is as yet no indication they are deliberately using stalling tactics this issue with view delaying opening of conference on schedule.

For our guidance in January 9 meeting we should appreciate instructions on following points:

1. Is French proposal. i.e., that under system of rotating chairmanship one of every four meetings be held in Soviet Embassy building and other three in ACA building, acceptable to United States?

2. Are we correct in our assumption that Dengin proposal re alternating meetings in Soviet Embassy and ACA building is unacceptable, or are we prepared to accept it as last resort?

3. If we agree to French proposal would we not insist at least that first meeting of Foreign Ministers be held in ACA building?³

Parkman

1. Also sent to Bonn, London, Paris, and Moscow.
2. In an exchange of notes on Jan. 5 and 6, the four commandants of Berlin had agreed to meet at British headquarters on Jan. 7 to discuss technical arrangements for the forthcoming four-power conference. The texts of the two notes were transmitted in telegrams 707 and 717 from Berlin. Jan. 5 and 7. (396.1 BE/1–554 and 1–754) Verbatim minutes of this meeting are in CFM files, lot M 88, box 167, “Quadripartite Meeting of the Berlin Commandants”.
3. On Jan. 8 Berlin was informed that the French proposal was acceptable, but that Dengin’s proposal for alternate meetings was unacceptable, and that the Western Commandants should insist on the first meeting being held in the ACA building. (Telegram 430 to Berlin, 396.1 BE/1–754)