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

396.1 BE/2–1354: Telegram

No. 476
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Berlin

top secret

Washington, February 13, 1954—2:01 p.m.

Tedul 45. Limit distribution. Dultes 68 and 70.¹ Appreciate difficulties negotiation with Molotov this subject in light special problems of French. We agree, however, it necessary avoid giving Chinese Communists Great Power status or discussing Indochina before Korea. Occurs to us status problem might be finessed by device like that we suggested at Panmunjom talks—namely, that Berlin Conference resolution might list in alphabetical order all states which four Foreign Ministers recommend should participate in a Korean Conference at a stipulated time and place if they so desire. A second list could also be included for a subsequent conference, or second phase of original conference, when discussions at Korean Conference and Southeast Asia situation show favorable prospects for peace exist.

We of course not in position know whether negotiating situation warrants introduction this idea. If it is feasible it would furnish basis for getting rid of undesirable elements in revised Soviet draft and would demonstrate negotiating flexibility which might be helpful with French.

Smith

1. Dulte 68 transmitted a summary of the third restricted session (see U.S. Delegation record, Document 463). Dulte 70 transmitted the revised paragraph 4 of the Soviet proposal for a five-power conference (see footnote 2, ibid.).