740.00119 Control (Germany)/5–2649: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Acting United States Political Adviser for Germany (Riddleberger)
624.1 Reurtel 819 May 25 rptd Paris as 325.2
- 1.
- Dept’s position paper3 states minimum position 25 trains from West
zones to Berlin. It recognizes impracticability of attempting
minimum figure for road and water, and possibility that Sovs
might hamper road and water traffic to point of eliminating or
greatly reducing usefulness. Accordingly, Dept’s dependence upon
rail based on possible need to carry all cargo and passengers to
and from Berlin by rail plus air.
Dept modifying position paper to provide additional rail access via Gerstungen, Probstzella,. Buchen, and Oebisfelde. Paris pls note on position paper.
- 2.
- Dept agrees that original position shld be based upon denial
of Sovs rights to inspect rail and water freight on basis that
Sov interest limited to ensuring goods in transit are not
diverted en route and that sealing of cargoes wld accomplish
that objective. In view of your observations, Dept’s position
paper shld not be explicit on roads and if question raised,
USDel shld agree Sovs
right to check unsealed trucks to verify cargoes in accord with
documentation. (Trucks could then be sealed wherever feasible.)
Dept not convinced however that USDel could maintain an absolute minimum position that Sovs could not inspect cargoes of Ger traffic to ensure in accord with documentation. Minimum, position therefore shld state that inspections shld be such as not unduly to delay traffic concerned. Dept recognizes possible dangers this position but would not like to have position paper so rigid as to rule out possibility. Paris pls note on position paper.
- 3.
- Dept feels that history of problems on access to Berlin justifies its insistence on use of Western locomotives and crews regardless of normal internatl usage and agrees with your recommendation on obtaining right to control shuntage and distribution of cars in West sectors and requests Paris to add this to original and minimum positions.
- 4.
- Note your comments on ACA directive 43 as amended, and directive 49 as being “generally observed” by Sovs.4 These directives relate to 15 day passes subject to 15 day extension which, as you state, can be issued to Gers by Allied Commander of zone of residence. If Western powers are to depend upon this provision it wld probably be better not to raise matter at CFM. However, Dept doubts desirability dependence upon ACA directive of 1946, as amended, 1947 and believes special problems of Western Berlin justify USDel asking specific provisions for Gers from Western zones and Western sectors without reference to Sov zone or Soy sector Berlin. Recognize that raising this issue in this manner wld be further indication lack of confidence in past agreements. Accordingly Dept prefers leave matter up to USDel, in light of negots, whether strict agreement as favored by Dept shld be insisted upon or whether matter shld not be raised thus placing dependence on earlier quadripartite agreements. Paris pls note on position paper.
- 5.
- Dept strongly feels “normally” shld not be stated. If Sov del raises issue of emergency inspections of suspicious vehicles it is suggested that USDel ask Sov for suggested wording which wld allow [Page 801] such emergency inspections without opening door to delaying tactics, special inspections, etc. throughout Sov zone. In any event, agreement shld make clear that development of frequent delaying inspections throughout Sov zone wld be violation of agreement.