Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Berlin Crisis, 1959–1960; Germany; Austria, Volume IX

270. Telegram From the Embassy in Germany to the Department of State⁰

Bonn, June 14, 1958, midnight.

3725. Bonn relays for your info folg msg fmUSMLM Berlin. True DTG 141500Z.

“Sent CINCUSAREUR unnumbered repeated information AmEmbassy Bonn and USCINCEUR unnumbered.

Herewith summary of conference 1000–1130 hours with Deputy Foreign Minister Otto Winzer in Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building, East Berlin. Present: Colonel McQuail, Major McCrory, one interpreter and one note taker for Mr. Winzer.

1. There was no Soviet participation, so that I perforce was forced in the end to the limit of authority granted in paragraph 4E, 1353A.¹ Lt. Vturin first said he must make a phone call. I said I’ll wait. He then admitted he had instructions only to guide us to building. I protested and he went upstairs, but the German assistant said the Deputy Minister expected only myself and McCrory. I decided to begin without Vturin, and it later developed in conference that Mr. Winzer had barred Vturin.

2. Reference paragraph 4A, 1353A. I introduced myself and began with Huebner–Malinin agreement,² history of return of personnel, the developments in this particular case including Soviet aid and requested immediate return of personnel and helicopter as representative of General Hodes. (Evaluation: This proved to be wrong approach in view of Mr. Winzer’s reactions. Although due to Winzer’s reaction I later emphasized my simultaneous role as a representative of the army whose presence in these negotiations was known and approved by United States Army in Washington, I believe now I would have been stronger without this introduction.)

3. The GDR wants a representative with credentials from the government. Winzer finally described the requirements as a protocol or document with a governmental heading from the Government in Washington. (Evaluation: I did not press here too far as to the exact heading as I was afraid it would result in a more definitive statement, perhaps Executive Mansion heading, or State Department. I decided that perhaps it would be desired to use a Department of Army or a Chief of Staff heading, try that, and see how it was accepted at the next meeting. Winzer appeared to be pressing for something like situation in last sentence State 698 June 13,³ 7 pm, but might settle for less as suggested above. Mr. Winzer started out definitely talking about State Department and a State Department representative. He later changed somewhat and finished up using term ‘representative of Government’ and that army officer could be this individual if he had proper authority. This leads me to believe he will settle for less than State Department heading on a letter.)

4. The Deputy Minister stated clearly (without query or prompting) that recognition or non-recognition was not involved.

5. I accepted meeting for 1200 hours Monday 16 June at which time representative with written credentials would be present.

6. Winzer said personnel were in good shape and not being treated as prisoners.

7. Winzer stated personnel and helicopter would be turned over at border. He said it would be prompt when decided.

8. Winzer promised to deliver Red Cross box to personnel. He said he hoped more boxes not necessary. Box was delivered at about 1230 hours this date, but my sergeant said person on duty said he would try to deliver, but gave no assurance.

9. Winzer would not admit he had mind made up not to turn over personnel today, but admitted personnel were not in next room and were still at camp. (Evaluation: I believe had no intention of so doing in first conference.)

10. Meeting was cordial, no crowds, reporters or photographers observed.

11. Winzer termed meeting as a great step forward.

12. Mr. Winzer spoke fast, not too loud, and spoke whole paragraphs at a time. He mumbled and spoke so rapidly I could not follow entirely in German. He spoke from brief notes in handwriting of such character I could not read it upside down. The interpreter had a good vocabulary, but provided far from verbatim interpretation. Microphone could have been concealed in cigarette or cigar box on table. These were not touched during conference. Note taker for Winzer took desultory notes. Our notes are good and full. Poor word choice or grammar is result of interpreter not Major McCrory.

13. Detailed notes taken during conference will be forwarded piecemeal as prepared.⁴

14. I await instructions.”

Bruce

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762B.5411/6—1458. Secret; Niact.
1. A copy of this telegram, which was transmitted to Washington as SX 4618, June 13, is ibid., 762B.5411/6–1358.
2. For text of the Huebner–Malinin agreement, April 5, 1947, which insured the rights of the United States and the Soviet Union to protect the interests of their nationals in the occupation zones of Germany, see Documents on Germany, 1944–1985, p. 114.
3. It stated that McQuail was not authorized to sign a receipt that indicated the establishment of an intergovernmental relationship between the United States and the German Democratic Republic. (Department of State, Central Files, 762B.5411/6–1358)
4. Transmitted in a four-part unnumbered telegram, June 14 at 3 p.m. (Ibid., 762B.5411/6–1458)