Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Berlin Crisis, 1958–1959, Volume VIII

224. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State⁰

New York, March 16, 1959, 7 p.m.

767. Re: Berlin.

1. In course of meeting with UK and French delegates this afternoon, which I will report in full in later telegram,¹ Dixon (UK) requested that three delegates here continue our discussions by exploring all possible ways in which UN could play a role in connection with Berlin. He had in mind in particular proposals that might be put forward during negotiations with USSR across conference table and referred to his earlier thoughts regarding a convoy arrangement like that of Mt Scopus convoy (see mytel 755² as well as Nielsen (Norway) ideas in mytel 756³).

Dixon said UK felt it important to discuss all possibilities on hypothetical basis in order be prepared for all eventualities. He pointed out there would be some discussion of this type in working group now meeting Paris where apparently there are no experts with UN experience. Dixon hoped we could begin such discussions on tripartite basis at once.

2. Vaucelles (France) said his present instructions did not permit him to participate in such discussions. French government’s sole idea with respect to UN was to keep it completely out of Berlin problem.

3. French attitude about relationship of UN to Berlin situation is not only negative; it is unrealistic in extreme. Failure to consider ways in which UN could play role in Berlin could have extremely grave consequences. UN may be one of best ways out of Berlin crisis and is in any event sure to be involved. All of UN implications and subtleties should be analyzed by those having greatest experience in this field.

4. We should begin considering all possibilities of kind Dixon suggests and any others Department may have in mind promptly, preferably with all three delegates, but we should not await the French. UKDel wishes meet with USDel regardless.

5. Department’s working paper⁴ now being used as basis for Paris discussions has not been received here. Request it be made available to me for these discussions.

6. Recommend I be authorized begin discussions with UKDel, informing French, of course that we are doing so, desire their participation, and will keep them informed if they are not yet ready attend.

Lodge

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.00/3–1659. Secret; Priority; Limited Distribution.
1. Transmitted in telegram 776 from USUN, March 17. (Ibid., 762.00/3–1759)
2. Document 214.
3. Telegram 756, March 12, reported that Norwegian Representative Nielsen believed that the United Nations was not the forum for a discussion of German reunification or European security, but that it had a pertinent role in the Berlin question. (Department of State, Central Files, 762.00/3–1259)
4. See footnote 2, Document 220.