135. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State0
Moscow,
April 23, 1960, 1 p.m.
2613. During courtesy call on Gromyko to which I took Bohlen1 former made following points in ensuing discussion on forthcoming summit.
- 1)
- Disarmament. He expressed Soviet “disappointment” at lack of progress in 10-nation Geneva talks but expressed some optimism on test ban discussions. In regard to disarmament discussions at summit he [Page 346] expressed hope that any decisions reached there would not be merely vague in character and susceptible of different interpretation but would be “concrete” and capable of being translated into action.
- 2)
- Somewhat longer discussion occurred re Germany and Berlin with Gromyko repeating all familiar Soviet positions in regard to peace treaty and need to do away with “occupation regime” in West Berlin. Gromyko was quite frank in saying Soviet aim was removal Western forces from Berlin asserting at same time Soviet and East German willingness give any necessary “guarantees” for preservation of existing social, economic and political structure in Western Berlin. During discussion Bohlen told Gromyko as personal view that he saw little possibility of any agreement at summit on this subject if Soviet position remained as stated by Gromyko. Gromyko in closing made one reference to possibility of interim agreement for West Berlin without going into any details.
Although positions in regard to Germany and Berlin were frankly stated and firmly maintained conversation was entirely calm and objective with no attempt by Gromyko to impute US motives.
Thompson