Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XX, Eastern Europe

130. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany¹

Washington, June 30, 1979, 0020Z

168723. For Ambassador Bolen From Assistant Secretary Vest. Subject: Signing of US–GDR Consular Convention. Ref: A) Berlin 3657; B) Berlin 3644;² C) State 167957;³ D) USBER 1381; E) USBER 1385.⁴

1. Confidential (Entire text)

2. For Berlin. On basis refs A and B, we have again considered question of whether we should proceed with scheduled July 3 signing of US–GDR Consular Convention in light of June 28 GDR action on election of East Berlin Volkskammer deputies.⁵

3. While we appreciate your point in refs A and B regarding consistent approach by the three powers in responding to GDR action, we do not wish our decision on Consular Convention contingent upon actions by other allies.

4. Consequently, you should advise Deputy Foreign Minister Nier on July 2 that we will not be able to proceed as planned with the July 3 signing of the Consular Convention due to unexpected complications. This approach would be entirely consistent with your June 14 presentation to Nier (Berlin 3370 and State 151160) during which you advised him that we were prepared to proceed with a July 3 signing provided no [unfo]reseen complications intervened.⁶ If Nier asks when we will be able to sign the Consular Convention, you should advise him that this will depend upon further developments. FYI we have in mind shortly after seating of European Parliament July 18 if there are no further incidents. End FYI.

5. For Bonn. Embassy should advise other Bonn group members at earliest opportunity of our decision to postpone signing of the Consular Convention.

6. Department does not plan to make any public announcement of postponement of signing. However, we assume that this will soon become public knowledge, and if subject comes up at noon press briefing we will acknowledge that signing has been postponed. We do not plan to expand upon the reasons for the postponement nor to speculate as to when the Convention may be signed. Posts should use similar line in responding to press inquiries.

7. For Bonn. Exchange of notes and two non-papers (see State 119080)⁷ should obviously be postponed until further notice.

Christopher

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790295–0852. Confidential; Niact Immediate. Drafted by Niles; cleared by Vine; approved by Vest. Sent for information Immediate to Paris and London; and for information Priority to Moscow and USNATO.
2. Telegram 3657 from East Berlin, June 29, urged the Department to reconsider postponing the signing of the Consular Convention based on the points made by the Embassy in telegram 3644. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790294–0897) Telegram 3644 from East Berlin was not found.
3. In telegram 167957 to East Berlin and Bonn, June 29, Vest informed Bolen that, “after careful consideration” the Department decided to postpone signing the Consular Convention in light of the Volkskammer decision. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790295–0684)
4. In telegram 1381 from West Berlin, June 29, the Mission recommended that the Department postpone signing of the Consular Convention to show that the U.S. Government took the East German decision to elect Volkskammer members in East Berlin seriously. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790295–0265) Telegram 1385 from West Berlin was not found.
5. In telegram 3615 from East Berlin, June 28, the Embassy reported that the Volkskammer (Chamber of Deputies) approved an amendment to the 1976 election law removing all differentiation between deputies from East Berlin and the rest of the German Democratic Republic, as well as allowing for the direct election of deputies from East Berlin to the Volkskammer. Previously, East Berlin deputies were nominated by the city assembly. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790293–0138)
6. In telegram 151160 to East Berlin, June 12, the Department informed the Embassy that while the U.S. Government would prefer to sign the Consular Convention in Washington, the Department would agree to a Berlin signing by Nier and Bolen if the East German Government continued to press for Berlin as a venue. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790266–0861) In telegram 3370 from East Berlin, June 15, the Embassy reported Bolen’s meeting with Nier the previous day. Bolen informed Nier of the U.S. Government position on the signing and expressed hope that “no unforeseen developments would interfere with date for signing of Consular Convention.” Nier agreed to sign the convention on behalf of the German Democratic Republic on July 3. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790270–1053)
7. In telegram 119080 to Bonn, May 10, the Department instructed the Embassy to inform the West German Government that the Department agreed that the signing of the U.S.–GDR Consular Convention take place in Bonn. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790213–0491)