Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

762B.00/6–250: Telegram

The Chargé at Berlin (Page) to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Frankfort¹

secret

Berlin, June 2, 1950—6 p. m.

1046. Significance Deutschlandtreffen from Berlin standpoint may be summarized as follows:

1. Vital importance Berlin for both West and East again emphasized. For West, it constitutes most potent weapon against communism. For East, it represents continuing menace which must be neutralized soon as possible. Deutschlandtreffen a major political move to this end. Failure to carry out original declared intention occupy West Berlin is tactical victory for West and defeat for East, but renewed attempts certain. Unremitting vigilance and continuing constructive effort essential to maintain Berlin as bastion of democracy in Communist sea and to utilize unique opportunity for affirmative counteraction. These conclusions underlined by Deutschlandtreffen events as summarized Berlin’s 1019, May 30 to Frankfort, repeated Department 836, Bonn 87, London 89, Paris 285, Moscow 70; and Berlin’s 1036, June 1 to Frankfort, repeated Department 849, unnumbered London, pouched Paris and Moscow.²

2. Exceptional importance youth (reference last two paragraphs Berlin’s 1040, June 1 to Frankfort, repeated Bonn 89, Department 851, Moscow 74, London 93, Paris 94).³ Most effective counteraction Soviet effort regiment and indoctrinate East German youth and appeal to West Berlin and German youth, is effective West Berlin and West German youth action operating on truly democratic basis.

Youth groups here appreciate this fact and have contributed effectively to maximum their resources in counterpropaganda effort during Whitsun period. Work with FDJ boys and girls who have visited West Berlin during past three days particularly significant. It is essential, however, that West youth be encouraged and assisted in every feasible way to strengthen democratic convictions and means of action. We propose to give this problem preferred attention in Berlin.

3. Effect of Deutschlandtreffen on West Berlin population can not yet be clearly appraised. It is evident that West Berliners view it with mixed emotions: relief at failure of threat against West Berlin to materialize, coupled with varying degree of realization ominous significance this mass regimentation East German youth. Fact Deutschlandtreffen is not final episode, but merely one phase continuing Communist assault on Berlin, emphasized by Reuter and other German spokesmen as well as in press comment. On balance, safe to say West Berliners do not have false sense security, but realize necessity continuous watchfulness and effort strengthen democratic position and counter continuing Communist pressure.

Sent Frankfort 1046; repeated information Bonn 92, Department 854, London 94, Paris 297, Moscow 75.

Page

1. The source text was sent as 854 to the Department of State.
2. Neither printed; the former reported that Allied observers in Berlin felt that the arrangements for the Deutschlandtreffen (Whitsuntide youth rally sponsored by the Soviet Zone Free German Youth) represented a major achievement for the East Zone Communists, while the latter reviewed press coverage for May 30–31. (762B.00/5–3050 and 962A.61/6–150)
3. Not printed; it reported that the Kremlin was “making substantial progress along well-known lines toward assimilation of East Germany” but that the “Commie digestion process is far from complete.” (762B.00/6–250)