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

404. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Department of State⁰

Geneva, June 18, 1959, 11 a.m.

Cahto 130. This morning before meeting of four Western Foreign Ministers, Von Brentano called on me at his request. Purpose proved to be to express his deep concern over trend conference in past few days. He believes we are steadily losing public support which rallied to West when Gromyko’s unacceptable proposal of June 9 was rejected on June 10.¹ He is fearful of position we will find ourselves in if conference continues longer on present course.

I expressed agreement and then read him Khrushchev reply² to the President’s letter.³ He characterized it as “grotesque” and not containing even a hint of any concession from position which Gromyko has set forth. He agreed that prompt recess of about a month was best unless Gromyko reveals today unanticipated flexibility.

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 110.11–HE/6–1859. Secret; Niact Drafted by Merchant.
1. See Documents 377 and 381.
2. See Document 403.
3. See Document 395.