71. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Germany 0
3591. Please deliver to Chancellor following letter from Secretary as soon as possible and prior to former’s departure for Paris:
Begin Text.
Dear Mr. Chancellor:
I would like to take this opportunity, shortly after my return to Washington, to tell you that the friendly reception and valuable talks which we had in Bonn have been a source of great satisfaction to me. They were the highlight of what proved to be a useful, if somewhat exhausting, trip to five countries. The success of our talks has shown once again that there is no real substitute for personal contact in eliminating misunderstandings and differences of emphasis which may arise when communication is limited to the written word and speculative discussion in the press creates false impressions.
[Page 205]I was moved by the warmth of the reception accorded us in Bonn and by the generous hospitality which you and Foreign Minister Schroeder extended. We covered a wide range of subjects of importance to both our countries, and I came away from them ever more convinced that there is a strong and basic mutuality of interest between the United States and the Federal Republic on all the issues that really matter. This is a fact in which we may not only take heart in the present but assurance for the future.
I was much encouraged not only in Bonn but in Paris, Rome and London to find an atmosphere favorable for the success of the Common Market. Fortunately, our own legislative action also seems to be going forward in a favorable way, which will enable us to play a full and positive share in the development of an Atlantic partnership.
I have the impression that, on the subject of Berlin, we are agreed on the basic principles involved and as to what we should do both to strengthen our position and to continue efforts directed at a possible modus vivendi. We should be able to work out details at the official level as we go along within this framework of general agreement. In a related area, I know how much you have been concerned about the sad lot of the population of East Germany and East Berlin, and how important you consider it that no legitimate possibility be left unexplored which might help to alleviate their situation. As you know, I have already hinted to Dobrynin that we are aware that a major source of the Soviet problem arises out of the nature of the regime in East Germany and the general dissatisfaction which its oppressive practices must inevitably create in the population. We cannot expect that the Soviets will admit the truth of this to us, but I would hope that the point might at least make some sort of impression on their own thinking. I believe with you that we must continue to seek ways and means to help the people of East Germany but in such a manner as not to arouse premature or false hopes. Here again the officials of your Foreign Office and the Department of State concerned with these matters should keep in close touch exchanging both information and ideas. In this connection, we shall be particularly interested in receiving the views of the Federal Government as they develop on the proper attitude to be taken towards the East German request for credits.
May I once again thank you for your hospitality and reaffirm my satisfaction that my visit to Bonn proved possible and that its results were so gratifying.
With warm personal regards and esteem,
Sincerely,
Dean Rusk. End Text.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.62A/6–3062. Secret; Priority; Eyes Only. Drafted by Hillenbrand and Fessenden, cleared by Kohler and Knight, and approved by Rusk.↩