Office of the Historian

333. Telegram From the Delegation to the Foreign Ministers Meeting to the Department of State0

Geneva, May 25, 1959, 11 p.m.

Secto 122. Paris pass USRO. Eleventh Session, Secretary in chair expressed appreciation for colleagues agreement two day recess for funeral Mr. Dulles.1 Followed by expressions sympathy and tribute memory Mr. Dulles by French and British Foreign Ministers. Gromyko expressed “again” his deep sympathy passing former Secretary State whom he had known some fifteen years. Ambassador Grewe expressed sentiments profound sympathy FedRep and overwhelming majority German people. GDR Bolz expressed sympathy “again” orally. Secretary expressed gratitude for statements uttered and said these would be conveyed to American people and Mrs. Dulles (texts being sent).2

Gromyko speaking first3 launched into long apologia for Soviet peace treaty proposal, merely complete rehash his former speeches and Soviet propaganda. Brought up old themes German militarism, obstructionism by West, desirability two Germanies discuss reunification through confederation, and paid glancing compliment to SPD German plan. Only novel elements brought up by Gromyko were 1) willingness modify article 32 so as to authorize Germany engage activities connected with peaceful uses atomic energy, 2) reference Macmillan recommendation Moscow talks “gradual approach” solution outstanding problems and continuation discussion in series conferences, which met with Soviet approval, 3) emphasis that provision two Germanies remain “for certain time” [in neither?] NATO nor Warsaw Pact intended mean only “temporarily”, 4) said he intended speak later and in greater detail on Berlin. Concluded discussions had so far only touched fringes Soviet peace treaty proposal and called on Four Powers state that FedRep and GDR should start talks together. Four Powers should draw up joint draft peace treaty embodying common language.

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Secretary addressed himself to Gromyko’s accusations German militarism (statement sent Secto 118).4

Couve de Murville said5 he did not wish discuss articles peace treaty since agreement on fundamental aspects not yet reached. West not hostile to idea peace treaty with Germany, which should seal political settlement European problems, but to Soviet approach. Two basic elements not yet settled: 1) Boundaries reunited Germany and 2) security elements. Associated himself with Secretary’s rebuttal Soviet charge German militarism. Defended Paris Pacts. Questioned whether real Soviet objection was extension control over Western Germany without achieving reunification.

Gromyko counter-attacked charging Secretary with lack objectivity and missing point.6 Listed “unfavorable factors” which Secretary omitted such as violation post-war agreements for peaceful and democratic development Germany, armament Bundeswehr and installation atomic weapons and missiles FedRep territory, growing revanchist aspiration FedRep. Refuted Couve charge that Soviet Union aiming extend control which Gromyko purported he unable understand. Blandly pleaded abstain mutual accusations in order advance work conference.

Secretary agreed7 that discussions should lead to successful negotiations but issue raised by Gromyko required clarification. Secretary then made strong statement on militarism in East Germany, giving statistics GDR rearmament since 1945, and contrasted this with developments FedRep.

Lloyd supported Secretary’s rebuttal8 militarism charges, suggested Conference look toward future, criticized Soviet peace plan and deplored trend of debate, saying Conference should consider what might constitute drawing together points of view.

Gromyko ironically found “sound elements” Lloyd’s statement.9 Had mentioned past because necessary answer Secretary who had [Page 763] mentioned sports and youth groups GDR but had failed note FedRep rocket and missile bases. Session adjourned 6:50 p.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/5–2559. Official Use Only. Repeated to Bonn, London, Moscow, Paris, Berlin, and USUN. The U.S. Delegation verbatim record of this session, US/VR/11 (Corrected), and the summary of the verbatim record, US/VRS/11, May 25, are ibid., Conference Files: Lot 64 D 560, CF 1357.↩
  2. Dulles died May 24. The funeral was scheduled for May 27.↩
  3. The texts as taken from the verbatim record were transmitted in Secto 129 from Geneva, May 16. (Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/5–2659) Texts of statements by Herter, Couve de Murville, Lloyd, and Gromyko are in Department of State Bulletin, June 15, 1959, p. 863.↩
  4. For text of Gromyko’s statement, circulated as RM/DOC/26, May 25, see Foreign Ministers Meeting, pp. 183–185.↩
  5. Dated May 25. (Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 64 D 560, CF 1312) For text of Herter’s statement, circulated as RM/DOC/27, May 25, see Foreign Ministers Meeting, pp. 195–198; Cmd. 868, pp. 108–110; or Department of State Bulletin, June 15, 1959, pp. 859–860.↩
  6. For text of Couve de Murville’s statement, circulated as RM/DOC/39, June 10, see Foreign Ministers Meeting, pp. 198–201 or Cmd, 868, pp. 110–113.↩
  7. For text of Gromyko’s remarks as shown in the U.S. verbatim record, see Foreign Ministers Meeting, pp. 201–203.↩
  8. For text of Herter’s statement, circulated as RM/DOC/45, May 25, see ibid., pp. 203–205 or Cmd. 868, pp. 113–114.↩
  9. For text of Lloyd’s remarks as shown in the U.S. verbatim record, see Foreign Ministers Meeting, pp. 205–206.↩
  10. For text of Gromyko’s remarks as shown in the U.S. verbatim record, see ibid., p. 206.↩