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

862B.49/9–1654: Telegram

No. 777
The United States High Commissioner for Germany (Conant) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Bonn, September 16, 1954—6 p.m.

788. For State and FOA. Flood Relief: East Zone. If East German phase flood relief program to achieve desired psychological impact, we suggest advisability reaching decision its composition and effecting shipment within shortest possible time. Whereas urgency needs still not considered such as to justify advances from local stocks and associated administrative complications, arrival United States contribution (or first installment thereof) in Rostock may lose significance in terms President’s offer if unduly delayed. Ankarcrona, here again as league RCS advisor on Bavarian program, considers this point important as does his colleague Daubenton.

We appreciate picture Soviet Zone requirements has been unclear and undoubtedly less acute than other areas, but political and psychological aim of reaching Soviet Zone population through tangible program will presumably be paramount factor in Washington decision. In view number countries which have accepted offer, if proposal formulate East Zone phase in framework approximately $1,000,000 per considerations paragraph 7 our telegram 650 September 2 (repeated Geneva 19, Berlin 118, Budapest 5, Prague 19, Moscow 15)² has merit, Washington may find it advisable reconsider $4,000,000 figure as tentative limit total program (see also accompanying cable regarding Bavarian phase).

Isolated conversations by HICOG Bonn and Berlin officers with Soviet Zone during visit Leipzig fair suggest league RCS estimates of needs resulting from flood, at least longer-term effects, may have been conservative. Persons apparently well informed but without obvious personal interest President’s offer described crops as flattened during brief high-water period, which, combined with generally wet summer, expected cause considerable losses; expressed apprehension feed shortage this winter and possible forced slaughter. While we not in position evaluate these impressions, they may be of interest.

Conant

1. Repeated to Berlin, Geneva, Moscow, Budapest, Prague, and Belgrade.
2. Telegram 650 recommended that flood relief commodities come directly from the United States rather than from the Berlin stockpile, and suggested that the original aid figure fell well below the expectations of the German Democratic Republic. (862B.49/9–254)