291. Telegram From the Delegation to the Foreign Ministers Meeting to the Department of State0
Secto 13. Paris pass USRO. Four Western Foreign Ministers met informally this morning to discuss impasse with Gromyko regarding shape of table, seating of German advisers and latter’s right to speak during conference sessions. Lloyd reported talk he had with Gromyko previous evening (as representative of other Western Ministers) along lines agreed by them previous afternoon. Gromyko held out for horseshoe table seating four powers with two German groups seated at tables representing in effect extension of open ends. On German right to be heard, Gromyko insisted it be unrestricted.
It was then decided Lloyd should return to Gromyko before lunch and propose (A) circular table for four delegations with separate small square tables for the German advisers close to main table and with table for Secretariat between and (B) German representatives could speak by application to chair in absence any objection.
Lloyd after seeing Gromyko reported to the Secretary and Couve at official lunch given by Swiss Foreign Minister that he made no progress with Gromyko. Before lunch ended three decided to invite Gromyko (each attended by one adviser) to Lloyd’s villa to seek resolution. Meanwhile formal opening conference scheduled for 3:30 was postponed.
After considerable discussion of four Ministers at Lloyd’s it was agreed (A) round table for four delegations with two separate square tables for two sets German advisers close to but not touching main conference table; (B) request of or for German advisers to speak would be communicated to Chairman who would respond “If no objection I call on, etc.”, accompanied by private agreement with Gromyko that objection would not be made unless privilege being abused in which case any Minister so considering would raise point of order under which Chairman would call recess immediately for purpose four Foreign Ministers in restricted session determining how to correct abuse, and (C) opening session would be held at 6 p.m. today and confined by agreement to Hammarskjold’s welcome and Lloyd’s response on behalf himself and other three Foreign Ministers. Lloyd then to propose adjournment until 3:30 p.m. May 12. Gromyko gave clear evidence intention raise question Polish-Czech participation at opening Tuesday meeting which he will chair.
[Page 686]Agreement satisfactory as meeting our main point of substance to maintain capacity DDR exclusively advisory.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/5–1159. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Merchant and approved by Herter. Repeated to London, Paris, Bonn, Berlin, and Moscow.↩