Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Berlin Crisis, 1959–1960; Germany; Austria, Volume IX

267. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Germany⁰

Washington, June 9, 1958, 7:31 p.m.

3139. Bonn for Ambassador or Chargé. Berlin for Gufler. Department endorses procedure being followed by USAREUR to secure return helicopter crew.¹ However, urge that care be exercised to avoid taking categorical position in any statements to press of dealings with Soviets that we will refuse under any circumstances have contact with East German authorities on matter. We would of course contemplate such action only after exhaustion other available courses but would wish avoid possible embarrassment should developments make it absolutely necessary deal with East Germans to secure crew’s release.

Ambassador may wish pass as appropriate to General Hodes.

Dulles

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762B.5411/6—958. Secret; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Creel and Lisle, cleared by Kohler, and approved by Elbrick. Also sent to Berlin.
1. On June 7, a U.S. Army helicopter mistakenly landed in East Germany. The passengers and crew were initially detained by Soviet officials and then transferred to the custody of East German representatives.