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

10007. For the Secretary From the Ambassador. Subject: Berlin Negotiations. Ref: Berlin 1600; State 148742.2

1.
Thanks very much for your reftel. I am in full accord with your views concerning the Soviets and concerning the need to take full advantage of the present Soviet interest to obtain the best possible terms as defined in the guidance which the President and the Department have provided. It is also essential as you stated that any agreement must be one which will be accepted, insofar as any agreement could be accepted, by the German public as being worthwhile. However it must be kept in mind that any agreement will involve major controversy, since a Berlin agreement will open the door to ratification of the Moscow agreement, which is so bitterly contested. We will take all the time necessary to achieve the maximum in improvement.
2.
As the Ambassadors discussed yesterday with Bahr and Frank, it would be very difficult for the FRG to keep the agreement secret once it is sent to governments. They therefore are anxious to sign as soon as possible after that date. We will attempt to find ways of achieving the objective of signature after Labor Day by perhaps keeping one or two issues open and having a final Ambassadorial session a few days before signature. In any event, I think means can be found to postpone the signature until after Labor Day.
Rush
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 28 GER B. Secret; Priority; Nodis.
  2. See Document 288 and footnote 2 thereto.