Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Berlin Crisis, 1958–1959, Volume VIII

126. Memorandum of Telephone Conversation Between President Eisenhower and Secretary of State Dulles⁰

Washington, January 13, 1959, 9:18 a.m.

TELEPHONE CALL FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Pres asked if we would be against the establishment of a free city if it were all inclusive—East and West Germany. If that were agreeable to the Germans he supposes we would not object. The Sec said if it were agreeable but he is sure West Germany would not agree to anything that would take our troops out. That is the only thing that keeps it from being engulfed. Once they go the paper agreements are no good. The Pres would say that would be a new problem.¹ The Sec said to be careful about implying anything about taking our troops out of Berlin. They agreed they are more rigid than we are.

0. Source: Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, White House Telephone Conversations. No classification marking. Drafted by Bernau.
1. Apparently the President was anticipating that he would be asked questions on Berlin at his press conference on January 14, but none was raised.