Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Germany and Austria, Volume II

740.00119 Control (Germany)/9–3048: Telegram

The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kohler) to the Secretary of State

top secret

Moscow, September 30, 1948—6 p. m.

2198. Breakdown Moscow talks and reference Berlin issue to UN appears to us to promise neither relief from blockade of Berlin nor any solution of situation beyond moral support such direct actions as Western governments can themselves take and enforce.

Consequently, especially in view continued Soviet efforts establish unilateral control and imminent ominous prospect of winter, we hope our military leaders in Berlin now feel themselves released from former restraints (Berlin’s 2081 to Department, August 19¹) and, without awaiting outcome SC discussions, are proceeding, not only with maximum development air-lift, but any other measures required to counter Soviet moves and prepare Western sectors for indefinite operation as going concern under our full control. Such program would appear justified by considerations defense against continued Soviet aggression and explicit reservation in our notes to Soviet Government² and Secretary-General UN.³ As seen from Moscow, such demonstration our determination should therefore not only not prejudice our presentation Berlin case to SC, but might well have healthy influence on Soviet attitude and actions both in SC and in Berlin.

In our view following steps likely have maximum effect on Soviet authorities:

(1) Development adequate stable currency Western sectors (perhaps as indicated Berlin’s 1970 to Department August 7⁴).

(2) Full support for municipal government in establishing itself where it can operate without being subject Communist mob violence.

(3) Establishment provisional tripartite kommandatura.

(4) Detailed planning for economy Western sectors (absence of which noted; for example, page 3 Berlin’s despatch 1291, August 27⁴).

(5) Silencing or taking over Soviet-controlled Radio Berlin.

(6) In event Soviets arrest non-Communist municipal leaders for alleged provocative anti-Soviet behavior, immediate seizure KPD leaders throughout Western zones as hostages to induce release Berlin leaders.

Sent Department 2198. Department pass Berlin 422, London 247, Paris 417 for Bohlen.

Kohler

1. Not printed, but see footnote 6, p. 1058.
2. Ante, p. 1185.
3. Not printed. For the text of this note, see United Nations, Official Records of the Security Council, Third Year, Supplement for October, pp. 9–11.
4. Not printed.
4. Not printed.