212. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Under Secretary of State (Herter) and Senator Paul Hertz of Berlin, Department of State, Washington, November 18, 19571
SUBJECT
- Economic and Political Situation of Berlin
Secretary Herter greeted Senator Hertz cordially recalling their former conversation in Boston.2
Senator Hertz then stated that he wished to speak mainly about the economic condition of Berlin, but that he had a word on the political situation as well. He stated that their new mayor, Willy Brandt, was a moderate Socialist and represented a position in the SPD which was little removed from that of the majority party. He said that in view of this and the future that lay ahead of Brandt as a political figure, it might be useful for him to visit this country. He stated that a knowledge in America of his position on foreign policy and his stand in the Socialist Party might be reassuring to America in view of the fact that they must recognize that the Socialist Party might grow in importance in the coming years.
Senator Hertz then went on to state that the economic condition of Berlin was approaching normal; that unemployment was reduced almost as much as could be hoped in the light of the extraordinary situation of Berlin; and that confidence had grown to a point where private money was flowing into industry and counterpart could be used for marginal needs.
Senator Hertz stated, however, that it was of great importance that the Berliners and others recognize that the United States was continuing to support Berlin. He said that this was not always obvious to everyone; that such projects as the Library, the Ford Building at the Free University, the Garment Center, and the Congress Hall were all examples of American cooperation and support which could be recognized by everyone. In this connection, he stated that he had [Page 521] been asked whether the Berliners felt it was appropriate for the American Flag to fly outside the Congress Hall. He stated that he thought this was a welcome evidence to the Berliners of American support and that they would be reluctant to see any change in this situation.
Secretary Herter said, “Then you consider American aid symbolic of important political realities?” Senator Hertz agreed that this was the main and important function which was essential to continuing the present favorable trend in Berlin and to maintaining the spirit of the Berliners.