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

862B.49/8–2053: Telegram

No. 747
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Bonn¹

secret

Washington, September 5, 1953—1:49 p.m.

787. Further reference ourtel 766, repeated Berlin 165 and Bonn’s 561, 654, 662, 692 and 732 re future plans food program for East Berlin and East Zone.²

Suggest that development in Germany of flexible program which can be publicized and is disassociated from mailing program charitable organizations if substituted for present type food distribution program could be developed along following lines:

1. You propose to British, French and Germans that several weeks after elections announcement be made that present food program is to be converted into continuing program to be operated by Fed Rep sponsored organization operating in Western Berlin. U.S. food will be contributed this organization which would also distribute clothing, medicines and other needed supplies to neediest in Soviet-occupied Germany. Requests to be received and delivery to be made in West Berlin and also if desirable by mail. (Mailing program charitable organizations should be continued without publicity as you urge).

2. New organization could act as central point for distribution public and private aid to people Soviet-occupied Germany, from West Germany, United States and hopefully Britain, France and other countries as well. Publicity emphasis should be West continues to lend its aid to Soviet-occupied areas. Organization’s requirements could stimulate special collection drives in United States and elsewhere for clothing, medical supplies, funds and variety of special items needed by East Germans. Strong interest concerning plight East Germans exists United States and we are confident considerable material private support can be mobilized. It would be desirable from our point of view if you, as representative U.S. Government, in some manner were to associate yourself with announcement especially if announcement were to make clear that need for continuing program has been demonstrated and that as a result American people desire continue assist unfortunate oppressed peoples of Eastern Germany. In addition announcement should include appropriate reference to effect short-range program on Russian food distribution policy in East Germany larger distribution locally produced food. Suitable reference could also be made linking conversion food program to harvest in Soviet Zone. If you and Chancellor feel desirable forthcoming clothing program could be announced simultaneously as you suggest.

3. To extent presently allotted United States food supplies remain unused after (a) end current phase Berlin distribution program (October 3), (b) repayments to Fed Rep stockpile and (c) initial food contributions to new German-sponsored organization and mailing programs charitable organizations, they can be transferred as may be determined to step up food program new organization or of charitable organizations or be held for border depots program if developments make such distribution desirable or for other programs.

4. Main advantage envisaged new organization is its flexibility. United States Government support of German-sponsored organization could be increased, decreased, or take new form as circumstances require, while voluntary agencies in United States and elsewhere can use it continuously as a distribution point if they wish. Proposal would also prevent deterioration psychological impact present program by conversion to new form and avoid possibility completion or full termination which we believe would be undesirable and which could be exploited by Communists and would perhaps cause criticism in U.S.

5. Unless you see objection suggest you discuss with British, French, and German authorities, with hope all will cooperate new organization and in any event with view to securing British and French agreement to United States supported German effort.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Straus, Woodward, and Jacobs and cleared with Reinstein of State and White of FOA. Repeated to Berlin. A marginal note on the source text states that the staff study on which this telegram was based had been cleared in principle with Ausland, Phillips, O’Connor, Bonbright, and Kellermann. The staff study under reference, dated Aug. 25, was submitted by Reinstein to Smith for discussion at the Sept. 2 meeting of the Psychological Strategy Board. (German Desk files, lot 57 D 355, “Aid to East Germany”) The minutes of the PSB meeting at which this matter was discussed are in the PSB files, lot 62 D 333, “Record of Meetings”.
2. Telegram 766 to Bonn, Sept. 3, quoted the discussion at the Sept. 2 PSB meeting to the effect that the short-term food program would be transformed into a more long-term aid program for East Germany. (862A.49/9–353) Telegram 561 from Bonn, Aug. 6, offered suggestions for broadening the food parcel program, particularly advocating a scheme whereby refugees in Berlin would be given packages to send individually to relatives in the East Zone. (862B.49/8–653) Telegram 654 from Bonn, Aug. 14, transmitted the text of Adenauer’s letter. Document 744. (862B.49/8–1453) Telegram 662 from Bonn, Aug. 14, reported on discussions between U.S., French, British, and German representatives concerning future means of food distribution to East Germans. (862B.49/8–1453) Telegram 692 from Bonn, Aug. 18, transmitted to Washington a message of Aug. 13 from Berlin proposing the expansion of the relief effort for East Germany to non-food items. (862B.49/8–1853) Telegram 732 from Bonn, Aug. 20, dealt with the package mailing scheme as discussed in telegram 561. (862B.49/8–2053)