Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XV, Germany and Berlin

192. Telegram From the Embassy in Germany to the Department of State¹

Bonn, December 16, 1966, 1702Z.

7249. Pass White House. Subj: Establishment of Presidential Contact with Chancellor Kiesinger.

1. I consider it highly desirable that a direct relationship be established as soon as possible between the President and Chancellor Kiesinger. This is particularly important in view of continuing inaccurate suggestions, originating in the US press and picked up here, that the President is reluctant to meet with Kiesinger because of the latter’s former Nazi Party membership and overtures to the French. We have already taken steps directly with the Chancellor’s office to counter such reports, but Kiesinger himself may still be uncertain as to the President’s attitude toward him personally and may be waiting for a signal.

2. Under the circumstances, I recommend that I be authorized to call on the Chancellor and transmit to him orally a message from the President along the following lines:

A. The President congratulates the Chancellor on the policy declaration which he delivered in the Bundestag on Dec. 13 which he found most impressive. The President naturally took a special interest in the passage concerning German relations with the United States, and wishes to express to the Chancellor our sincere appreciation for these generous and encouraging remarks. The President can assure the Chancellor that they are fully reciprocated on the American side. Through close and frequent contact, the Chancellor and the President can ensure that there will be continuing trust between the Federal Republic and the United States and that both countries will, in the Chancellor’s words, “understand and consider each other’s vital interests.” We have full confidence in the Chancellor’s leadership.

B. As the Chancellor is aware, the President has expressed the hope that he would be able to visit Europe during the spring. If such a trip turns out to be possible he naturally would wish to include the Federal Republic. Plans for the trip have not yet been developed, however, and will inevitably depend on developments in America and elsewhere in the world during the next months.

C. The President wishes the Chancellor to know that, for his part, he would be very happy to welcome the Chancellor to Washington whenever the Chancellor considers it would fit in with his planned State visits.

3. I believe that such an approach would open the line of communication between the President and the Chancellor and would clearly indicate—before the Chancellor visits de Gaulle on January 13—that the President and the American government are well disposed toward him and his Cabinet. I shall be returning to Washington on leave on December 21. I would, of course, point this out to the Chancellor, which would permit him to send a personal message to the President if he desires. Because of the short time available, I would appreciate urgent consideration of this recommendation in the Department and the White House.²

McGhee

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files,POL GER W–US. Confidential; Immediate.
2. In telegram 104567 to Bonn, December 16, the Department of State informed McGhee that it believed a letter from the President would be the most effective way to open a dialogue with the new German leader. (Ibid.) The President’s message was transmitted in telegram 104879, December 19. (Ibid.,POL 15–1 GER W)