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

359. Telegram From the Mission at Berlin to the Department of State⁰

Berlin, June 3, 1959, 9 p.m.

1040. Geneva for Hillenbrand. Paris for Embassy, USRO, CINCEUR Thurston & West. At today’s informal monthly meeting with Commandants, Major Brandt gave his views on Geneva Conference. Brandt said his concern and that of Senate center on three points (and he made clear he most greatly concerned re third point):

(1) Brandt noted Gromyko had utilized plenary session to make detailed accusations against West Berlin propaganda and intelligence activities. He hoped West powers would utilize plenary session to set forth factual and detailed account of Communist intelligence and propaganda activities centered in East Berlin. He felt West should point out these activities directed against not only West Berlin and FedRep but other countries as well, such as Scandinavia. Brandt urged use of plenary session in order that exposé could be publicized world press.

(2) Brandt expressed concern lest in any understanding with Russians, West Powers neglect civilian access compared with garrison access. Brandt said he is having prepared on urgent basis a study of civilian access which would contain number new ideas and suggestions. Study will be forwarded to FedRep delegation Geneva. He mentioned also that Senator Guenter Klein would be returning to Geneva tomorrow.

(3) Brandt said it vital that DM West continue to be currency of West Berlin: “Should anything come between West German mark and the mark circulating in West Berlin” industrial and commercial life of Berlin would be jeopardized and he would “not wish to assume responsibility for consequences.”

Speaking of current economic conditions, Brandt said present economic level West Berlin better than Senate had dared hope two months ago. He made specific reference to employment, production and orders. More tourists visiting Berlin now than at same time last year.

Of West Berlin morale, Brandt said he could speak with less certainty than of economic conditions. His impression was that morale had not basically changed from that of one month ago, but that two new factors had had effect: (1) relaxation following stirring events of May day and airlift memorial ceremonies, which all the more apparent now that May 27 safely passed; 2) apprehension engendered by world press speculation on possible Western “concessions” at Geneva.

Burns

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.00/6–339. Confidential. Also sent to Bonn and Geneva; repeated to London, Moscow, and Paris; and pouched POLAD USAREUR.