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

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

Geneva, June 3, 1959, 1 a.m.

Secto 166. Paris pass USRO. Fourteenth Session held June 2, 3:30 to 6:35 p.m., Gromyko Chairman.

Bolz opened with short statement¹ consisting generally presentation arguments contained Soviet statement May 30.² Emphasized urgency liquidating occupation regime West Berlin, dangerous situation with espionage, sabotage, etc. against GDR and other states and links with aggressive elements FedRep. Claimed both EAC and other Allied documents showed Berlin not intended be fifth occupation zone but rather part Soviet Zone and therefore now GDR territory. Though geographically, economic and legal considerations all justify making West Berlin part GDR, latter does not wish force change social system and therefore supports Soviet free city proposal. GDR ready to guarantee status West Berlin as such plus its freedom to access.

Grewe spoke 30 minutes,³ mainly criticisms Soviet position re Germany, particularly argument that peace treaty be concluded with two German states. Pointed out inconsistencies with previous Soviet record and rejected Gromyko arguments that “times have changed.” Recalled stated Soviet opposition 1946 to splitting up Germany as well as fact that Soviet claimed 1947 that impossible discuss peace treaty until clear that all-German government could comply with its obligations to Allies. Grewe claimed truth is that Soviets have now established unrepresentative regime eastern Germany. Also emphasized peace treaty can be concluded only with state with which one involved in war, and that if this international entity, i.e., Germany, incapable of action, formation all-German government constitutes first requirement. Mentioned Ulbricht’s May 22 frank statement indicating contacts between GDR and FedRep premature in absence further progress towards communization western Germany. Said only way solve present impasse, in which each side claimed one German government unrepresentative, was to hold all-German elections. Claimed Soviets proposals “only sham concession which evade decisive question of division Germany”.

Grewe also spoke briefly re Berlin, rejecting Soviet plan for division of Germany into three parts and ridiculing Soviet charge that West Berlin constitutes NATO bridgehead. Claimed population convinced of desirability presence Western troops and cited August 7, 1958 incident Steinstucken⁴ as example what GDR police likely do in absence such Western protective forces. Suggested no point in detailing slanderous agitation poured out from East Berlin thus far during conference and pointed out December election clearly showed rejection Soviet free city proposal by people West Berlin.

Secretary briefly criticized Bolz statement, suggesting particularly that Bolz study basic surrender documents before trying to instruct Western powers on their Berlin rights.⁵

Gromyko then gave thirty minute essentially propaganda rehash⁶ further defending Soviet proposals on Berlin and rejecting Western views. Branded Secretary’s May 26 statement⁷ as “dictation” to people of Berlin under conditions foreign occupation and also said fails recognize rights of GDR on whose territory Berlin located. Claimed occupation has become artificial and obsolete though Soviets don’t consider Western troops presently there illegally. Charged West using contradictory arguments to justify troop maintenance and mentioned two Soviet “compromise” alternative proposals, either symbolic four power military presence of limited contingents from neutral states [sic].

Claimed Grewe statement today had confirmed previous Soviet view that FedGovt hampering conference.

Lloyd criticized briefly Soviet statements.⁸ Denied any contradiction in Western justification maintenance troops Berlin and criticized Gromyko for maintaining Western plan no basis for discussion. Said practical problem is extent to which present situation, based existing rights, might be improved.

Secretary proposed that in view lateness of hour private meeting scheduled this evening be postponed until Wednesday afternoon. This was agreed.

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/6–359. Official Use Only; Priority. Drafted by Morris. Also sent to USUN and repeated to Bonn, London, Moscow, Paris, and Berlin. The U.S. Delegation verbatim record of this session, US/VR/14 (Corrected), and the summary of the verbatim record, US/VRS/14, June 2, are ibid., Conference Files: Lot 64 D 560, CF 1364.
1. For text of Bolz’ statement, circulated as RM/DOC/A/5, June 4, see Foreign Ministers Meeting, pp. 577–580 or Cmd. 868, pp. 200–204.
2. See Document 342.
3. For text of Grewe’s statement, circulated as RM/DOC/A/9, June 6, see Foreign Ministers Meeting, pp. 542–549 or Cmd. 868, pp. 204–211.
4. See Document 17.
5. For text of Herter’s statement as indicated in the U.S. Delegation verbatim record, see Foreign Ministers Meeting, p. 234.
6. For text of Gromyko’s statement, circulated as RM/DOC/31, June 3, see ibid., pp. 234–243 or Cmd. 868, pp. 135–142.
7. Regarding this statement, see Document 335.
8. For text of Lloyd’s statement, circulated as RM/DOC/32, June 20, see Foreign Ministers Meeting, pp. 243–244 or Cmd. 868, pp. 142–143.