Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume I, Foundations of Foreign Policy

201. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs (Burt) to Secretary of State Shultz¹

Washington, July 27, 1984

SUBJECT

• Postwar Germany: The National Phase Begins

I need not tell you how critical management of relations with Germany is to overall US interests. Japan may be emerging as our key “economic” ally, but Germany is—and will remain—our key relationship in terms of East-West security. John Kornblum, Director of EUR/CE, has written a very thoughtful and somewhat provocative paper on trends in Germany which I believe is worth your attention.² John’s paper concentrates on the question of German identity and inner-German relations. He analyzes recent rapid progress in ties between the two German states and suggests that both the FRG and the GDR have entered a new, more national phase in their relations with each other.

The paper argues essentially that the US should wish neither to obstruct this development nor to watch passively from the sidelines as it unfolds. John suggests that vital American interests require that we help manage this “national” process and he sets forth adjustments in our own perceptions which are necessary to succeed in this role.

For a different analysis of this same problem, you might also look at the attached editorial from The Wall Street Journal which I have attached at Tab 2.³ The writers of this piece conjure up a simpler era in dealing with FRG–GDR relations which, as attractive as it may appear, is in my judgment, gone forever.

Although John Kornblum’s paper is long, it presents a very readable discussion of these important issues. I think you might find it interesting to read during your upcoming vacation.

Richard Burt ⁴

1. Source: Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/S Records, S/S Special Handling Restriction Memos, 1979–1983: Lot 96D262, ES Sensitive July 26–31, 1984. Confidential. McKinley initialed the memorandum and wrote “27 July.”
2. Attached but not printed is Kornblum’s paper, entitled “Postwar Germany: The National Phase Begins.” The paper is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. VII, Western Europe, 1981–1984.
3. Attached but not printed is the editorial “Liberation Politics,” Wall Street Journal, July 24, 1984.
4. Burt signed “Rick” above his typed signature.