Office of the Historian

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

Geneva, July 28, 1959, 11 p.m.

Secto 410. Paris pass USRO. Following is text of paper agreed by four Western Foreign Ministers today and handed Soldatov by Merchant this afternoon:1

“July 28, 1959

“Berlin

“The Foreign Ministers of France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have examined the question of Berlin in the desire to find mutually satisfactory solutions to the problems which have been raised and which derive essentially from the division of Berlin and of Germany. They agreed that the best solution for these problems would be the reunification of Germany. They recognize, however, that meanwhile the existing situation and the agreements at present in force can be modified in certain respects and have consequently agreed upon the following:

  • “(A) The Soviet Foreign Minister has made known the decision of the Soviet Government no longer to maintain forces in Berlin.

    “The Foreign Ministers of France, the United Kingdom and the United States declare that it is the intention of their governments to limit the combined total of their forces in Berlin to the present figure (approximately 11,000). The three Ministers further declare that their governments will from time to time discuss the possibility of reducing such forces if developments permit.

  • “(B) The Foreign Ministers of France, the United Kingdom and the United States further declare that it is the intention of their governments to continue not to locate atomic weapons or missile installations in West Berlin.
  • “(C) Free and unrestricted access to West Berlin by land, by water, and by air for all persons, goods and communications, including those of the forces of the Western powers stationed in Berlin, will be maintained in accordance with the procedures in effect in April 1959. Freedom of movement will continue to be maintained between East and West Berlin. All disputes which might arise with respect to access will be raised and settled between the four governments. The latter will establish a quadripartite commission which will meet in Berlin to examine [Page 1083] in the first instance any difficulties arising in connection with access and will seek to settle such difficulties. The commission may make arrangements, if necessary, to consult German experts.
  • “(D) Measures will be taken, consistent with fundamental rights and liberties, to avoid activities in it with respect to Berlin which might either disturb public order or seriously affect the rights and interests, or amount to interference in the internal affairs of others. The Secretary General of the United Nations will be requested to provide a representative, supported by adequate staff, to be established in Berlin, with free access to all parts of the city for the purpose of reporting to the Secretary General any propaganda activities which appear to be in conflict with the foregoing principles. The four governments will consult with the Secretary General in order to determine the appropriate action to be taken in respect to any such report.
  • “(E) The arrangements specified in sub-paragraphs (A) through (D) above can in the absence of reunification be reviewed at any time after five years by the Foreign Ministers conference as now constituted, if such review is requested by any of the four governments.”

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–GE/7–2859. Secret; Priority.↩
  2. See Document 487.↩