Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Germany and Austria, Volume VII, Part 2

762.00/4–1653: Telegram

No. 575
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Bonn¹

secret
priority

Washington, April 17, 1953—3:38 p.m.

4942. Department concerned at HICOMs trying warn Reuter against making all-Berlin election moves and French thinking of introducing subject Ministers meeting Paris (Bonn’s 4627, repeated Berlin 562, Paris 1176, London 863.²)

As you realize we wish avoid four-power conference now re German unity and thus avert to extent possible any developments conducive such conference.

At same time should be borne in mind initiatives concerning all-Berlin elections have been active and settled facet our German policy for years, Reuter has repeatedly made effective propaganda use this question with explicit or tacit approval Kommandatura, and specific approval given by latter to City Assembly resolutions on this matter April 20, 1950.³ In light this Reuter’s action appears natural and consistent. While some risk exists Commies could seize upon new proposals for all-Berlin elections as wedge for broader unification initiative, this applies also to air safety talks and many other opportunities Soviets could manufacture at will. We believe greater risk exists that any Allied attempt quash Berlin unification proposals might become public with serious political consequences. Depressing effect of reprimand on Reuter and Senat could also serve cancel out much of heightened friendship and enthusiasm resulting from Reuter’s U.S. visit which has already paid good dividends.

Most we think should be done now would be approach Reuter informally and confidentially, telling him there is no objection to general statements this type but that any plan for real démarche or other formal action (such as approach to Ebert) should not be undertaken without prior consultation with Allies.

We hope you can discourage French from raising subject all-Berlin elections Paris. While Secretary prepared discuss possible Soviet moves re German unity, ratification EDC and contractuals, Saar issue, we anxious not overload agenda. Secretary’s schedule already very full and every effort should be made avoid burdening Foreign Ministers’ available time with subsidiary matters this nature, particularly when we suspect French intent largely to rap Reuter’s knuckles.⁴

Dulles

1. Drafted by Montenegro and cleared with Lewis and Bonbright. Also sent to Berlin and repeated to London and Paris.
2. Telegram 4627 reported that the French High Commissioner was concerned about statements by Reuter concerning the possibility of holding all-Berlin elections and stated that the French were considering raising this question with the United States and the United Kingdom during the North Atlantic Council Ministerial meeting at Paris beginning Apr. 23. (762.00/4–1653)
3. For text of the City Assembly resolution and the Kommandatura letter of approval dated Apr. 20 and 21, 1950, respectively, see Documents on German Unity, vol. i, p. 223.
4. In discussions by the Western Commandants and High Commissioners on Apr. 18 and 21, it was agreed to inform Reuter that any proposals which he had for all-Berlin elections should be submitted to the Commandants for consideration by the High Commissioners since they might affect other German problems which were the concern of the Allies. (Telegrams 1459 from Berlin, Apr. 18, and 4658 from Bonn, Apr. 21, 762.00/4–1853 and 4–2153) There is no indication that this question was discussed further at the North Atlantic Council meeting.