Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Germany and Austria, Volume VII, Part 1

762A.00/7–2454: Telegram

No. 248
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Bonn¹

secret priority

Washington, July 24, 1954—2:31 p.m.

243. Re Otto John² Department in consultation other interested agencies developed following position:

1) Imperative that in answer press inquiries Secretary, HICOMer, Adenauer and other Federal Republic authorities follow same line.

2) Utilizing anticipated official Federal Republic statement as peg, we shall take position in answer press inquiries that:

a) John German official and Government Federal Republic has made statement (or it our expectation statement forthcoming);

b) All evidence points fact John being held Soviet Zone against will. Certainly not acting like free man. (This will make gratuitous any discussion of whether or not this a voluntary defection.)

c) If questioned whether he knew much about US intelligence activities Germany we shall simply state John in charge internal security Federal Republic. Beyond this have no knowledge.

3) Essential no member Department and HICOG Bonn and Berlin speculate on subject John publicly or with correspondents.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Kellermann and cleared in draft with Lewis, EE, and P. Repeated to Berlin.
2. On July 21 Berlin had reported that Otto John had disappeared and had been missing since 10 p.m. July 20. (Telegram 44, 762A.00/7–2154) On July 22 in a memorandum to Elbrick, Lyon stated that John “would undoubtedly be very useful if he fell into the hands of the other side.” (762A.00/7–2154)