Office of the Historian

Conference files, lot 60 D 627, CF 192

No. 444
Minutes of a Meeting of the Tripartite Working Group, Berlin, February 9, 1954, 10:30 a.m.1

secret
BER MIN–15
February 9, 1954
  • Present
    • united states
      • Mr. MacArthur
    • united kingdom
      • Sir Frank Roberts
    • france
      • M. Seydoux

1. Tactics for Today

The precise tactics for today were to be discussed at the Ministers meeting. The Ministers would also discuss the possibility of raising the subject of European security, the Austrian Treaty, and further handling of item 1.2

2. General Posture Towards Item 2

Mr. MacArthur made clear that the U.S. felt it would be a mistake to so elaborate the discussion on Germany that we would be drawn into a maze of details which would detract from our present strong position on free elections. The Soviets were at a disadvantage while the question remained as to whether or not Molotov was fundamentally opposed to free elections but the western position would be confused if the conference were drawn into endless arguments with regard to the details of porposals before the Conference. The UK and the French felt that while we should not get into detailed discussion on Germany this was probably the time to discuss the general question of European security. Sir Frank noted that Mr. Eden had already opened this discussion on Saturday in connection with his statement on the Anglo-Soviet Treaty and that [Page 1004] perhaps Mr. Eden need go no further.3 The precise nature of the possible remarks of M. Bidault was not made clear.

3. Item 1

The Working Group relegated to the Ministers the decision as to what should be done on the U.S. proposal for a conference on Korea. It was agreed that the western ministers should say nothing regarding another restricted session or raise the question of disarmament. If Mr. Molotov raises the point we should suggest the discussion of disarmament be held in a regular session. If pressed would agree to a restricted session on this subject.

4. Entertainment

It was suggested that the three western powers not attempt to outdo the Soviets on their entertainment and perhaps a reception would be adequate. The reception could be held at a cocktail buffet (7:00–9:00 p.m.) at the ACA Building. No final decision was made.

5. Berlin

It was agreed that Messrs. Morris and Steere from the US, Johnson from the UK, and Bayle from the French would form a group to consider steps the three western ministers might take to ameliorate conditions in Berlin. This same group would consider possible approaches to Molotov with regard to the conditions of the war criminals.

6. Austria

It was agreed that there would be a meeting tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the UK Headquarters with the Austrians and the Austrian experts of the three delegations to prepare for a tripartite ministerial meeting with Foreign Minister Figl at 12:00 noon.4 The Ministerial meeting would be held in Dulles’ residence.

At the tripartite ministerial meeting today the following matters would be discussed with regard to Austria:

1.
Procedural arrangements
2.
Matters connected with the Austrian Treaty:
a.
Article 35
b.
Article 42
c.
The Probable charge of Anschluss with Germany (Article 4)
3.
Other matters on which the three delegations have not reached agreement: [Page 1005]
a.
Withdrawal of troops
b.
Neutralization
c.
The Allied Declaration

7. Informing the NATO Council of the Restricted Session

It was agreed that the NATO Council should receive a résumé of yesterday’s session.

  1. According to the U.S. Delegation Order of the Day (USDEL(OD)16, CFM files, lot M 88, box 168), a meeting was held in Secretary Dulles’ office at 9:30 to discuss Austria. No record of this meeting has been found in Department of State files.↩

  2. The only record of the Foreign Ministers meeting at noon is in an undated memorandum from McConaughy to MacArthur which reads as follows:

    “1) Noon Meeting of Tripartite Foreign Ministers. The Secretary met with his two Western colleagues at Mr. Eden’s residence at noon to discuss tactics as to Agenda Item I, and whether the U.S. Draft should be released to the press. I understand it was decided to propose at today’s session another Restricted Meeting for tomorrow; and to postpone publicity for the U.S. proposal.” (Conference files, lot 60 D 527, CF 204)

    ↩
  3. For a summary of Eden’s remarks on Saturday, Feb. 6, see Secto 100, Document 435.↩
  4. Regarding these meetings, see Documents 448 and 449.↩