Office of the Historian

214. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Germany1

Washington, December 20, 1957—7:50 p.m.

1675. Bonn’s 1923.2 Department recognizes that persuasive arguments can be made both for and against initial turning back of trains [Page 526] before accepting controls by East German rather than Soviet personnel and that judgments may differ on possible Soviet reaction to initial turn back and which course is stronger or would in end result least damage our position and prestige. After weighing all factors conclusion was reached, as recorded in HICOM/P(54)5 (Revised Final),3 which is basis present policy on this issue and has approval three Allied Governments, as well as in State–Defense message contained Deptel 1736 December 27, 1955,4 that trains should not be turned back. Department unaware any new developments or arguments which would warrant change of decision already taken.

However we recognize prudence constantly reviewing policy to ascertain whether still valid. Therefore if Embassy and USAREUR feel policy this matter should be reviewed, Ambassador might raise matter with his British and French colleagues in Bonn. We consider Bonn is in any case most suitable locus such discussions and would not wish raise matter with British and French Embassies here unless discussions initiated Bonn and matter referred Governments again for decision. If discussed tripartitely believe would also be useful obtain Federal Government views.

Is assumption correct Embassy recommendation would also include study advisability initial turnback by Autobahn travelers to avoid East German controls?

Defense concurs.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.0221/12–1757. Confidential. Drafted by McKiernan; cleared with, among others, Reinstein, Lisle, Eleanor Dulles, Creel, and the Department of Defense; and approved by Murphy. Repeated to Berlin and Heidelberg.↩
  2. In telegram 1923, Bruce rehearsed the arguments pro and con for turning back trains going to Berlin rather than deal with officials of the German Democratic Republic, and wondered if it was the time to review policy on this question. (Ibid., 762.0221/ 12–1757)↩
  3. This 28-page report, dated August 23, 1954, was divided into five sections: 1) Access to Berlin, 2) Passports and Visas Issued by the GDR, 3) Commercial Relations between the Western Powers and the GDR, 4) Protection of Nationals and Interests in the GDR, and 5) Participation of the GDR in International Organizations. (Ibid., 762.0221/8–2354)↩
  4. Document 174.↩