350. Telegram From Secretary of State Herter to the Department of State0
Cahto 58. For the President from the Secretary.
“Dear Mr. President:
Sorry to say there is little to report on today’s session. Because of Gromyko’s statement in plenary session that propaganda and subversive activities from West Berlin created dangers for East Germans and Soviets, I took occasion to point out in great detail subversive activities carried out from East Berlin which made any activities from West Berlin look puny. Also quoted from juicy bits recorded from recent East German radio broadcasts which alleged von Brentano and I engaged jointly in homosexual activities with even worse references to von Brentano, which I think shook Gromyko up a bit. His reply was that these activities East Germans were really of 4th, 5th or 6th relative importance and arrangements might be found whereby both East and West German activities could be softened. When both Couve and Selwyn Lloyd later indicated perhaps some reciprocal arrangement possible, he began losing interest in subject and we may hear very little more about it.
Near end of meeting, he handed us typewritten suggested draft protocol1 for West Germany [Berlin], text of which being sent Department, which obviously completely unacceptable but on which discussion deferred until tomorrow. Tensions created by Russian threats regarding access rights to Berlin being transferred to East Germans discussed briefly and background laid for further discussion.
Sorry nothing more constructive to report. This is still a waiting game with some evidence that Russians so eager for summit that acceptable modus vivendi for West Germany possible.
London Times article indicating Selwyn Lloyd near end his tenure as Foreign Minister causing much speculation among delegations.2 It has placed him most uncomfortable position but he has not discussed it with me.
Faithfully,
Signed: Chris.”