82. Memorandum From Secretary of State Herter to President Eisenhower0
Washington,
February 26,
1960.
SUBJECT
- Resumption of High Altitude Flights in Berlin Corridors
The discussions which we have been conducting with the British and
French regarding the resumption of high altitude flights in the
Berlin air corridors have now brought agreement on the procedures to
be followed in resuming such flights. A summary of the agreement is
enclosed. The Departments of State and Defense find this agreement
satisfactory.
In approving the tripartite discussions, you had requested that your
authorization be sought before the Soviet authorities are notified
of our intentions and flights are actually resumed.
I therefore recommend that you authorize the notification to the
Soviet authorities and the resumption of high altitude flights as
provided for in the enclosed tripartite agreement.
[Page 205]
[Enclosure]
1
SUMMARY OF TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT ON RESUMPTION OF HIGH ALTITUDE
FLIGHTS IN THE BERLIN AIR CORRIDOR
- 1.
- The Three Powers (United States, United Kingdom and
France) will notify the Soviet Union, as soon as possible
and through the British Air Safety Center, that they intend
to resume high altitude flights (above 10, 000 feet) in the
Berlin air corridors on a routine scheduled basis. The
notification will contain no date for the first
flight.
- 2.
- The notification will be accompanied by a simple
announcement to the Soviets of the Three Powers’ willingness
to participate in talks about air safety in the Berlin
corridors if the Soviets so desire. This matter will not be
pursued further if the Soviets do not ask for talks.
However, tripartite technical discussions will be undertaken
immediately in Berlin preparatory to suggesting to the
Soviets, in the event such talks do take place, that the
Berlin Air Safety Center be permitted to exercise positive
control over all corridor flights.
- 3.
- The first high altitude flight will be carried out no
later than thirty days after notification to the Soviets. An
exception would be made only if mutually agreed air safety
talks with the Soviets are proceeding so satisfactorily that
the Three Powers would not want to jeopardize the final
outcome by insisting on high altitude flights shortly before
concluding an imminent agreement.
- 4.
- If the Soviets give a flatly negative reply shortly after
receipt of the tripartite notification, the first high
altitude flight can take place about twenty-four hours
thereafter. If no reply is forthcoming from the Soviets ten
days after notification, the first flight can take place
twenty-four hours thereafter. If there are discussions with
the Soviets which drag on inconclusively, the first flight
will take place not later than the thirtieth day after
notification.
