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

365. Telegram From Secretary of State Herter to the Department of State⁰

Geneva, June 5, 1959, noon.

Cahto 69. For the President from the Secretary.

“Dear Mr. President:

Informal discussions during the last 36 hours have centered entirely on talking points which we had put on paper representing our views as to what should be included in a Berlin settlement. These were cabled to the Department in Cahto 64.¹ After complete rejection of our paper, Gromyko discussed it point by point and, in effect, has accepted our contention that any arrangement we make should continue until the reunification of Germany, and that there should be reciprocal East Berlin and West Berlin cessation of unlawful clandestine activities interfering in internal affairs of others. He has made a point of not mentioning our rights in any form and we are insisting this is the key to our position since the Soviets began the effort, to deny these rights. He is likewise most anxious to have occupation forces reduced considerably and we are unwilling to go beyond a ceiling limitation within existing numbers.

I can sense rather than report some progress. Gromyko is obviously nervous and seems to be moving slightly in our direction. Your press conference² was a great help to us and all Allied Ministers agree that it struck exactly the right note. Many thanks.

Faithfully,

Signed: Chris.”

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.00/6–559. Secret; Niact.
1. See footnote 3, Document 358.
2. See footnote 6, Document 351.