Conference files, lot 60 D 627, CF 627
No. 410
Minutes of a Meeting of the
Tripartite Working Group, Berlin, February 3, 1954, 10:30
a.m.
BER MIN–10
- Present
- United States
- Mr. MacArthur
- France
- M. Seydoux
- United Kingdom
- Sir Frank Roberts
- United States
- 1.
- Tactics for Today. It was believed that Molotov would make a long speech and present more proposals today. The Secretary was being prepared to take a preliminary crack at the Soviet proposals as set forth in the letter from the GDR.1
- 2.
-
Restricted Session. Sir Frank Roberts said that at dinner with Molotov last night the British had received the impression that Molotov might want to have a restricted session on Germany.2 Mr. MacArthur pointed out that it would not be desirable to have it known that the four powers were discussing Germany behind the latter’s back. Moreover, Molotov is in a bad spot on the German item and we should not be eager to move him off that spot.
It was agreed that the three powers would not raise the question of the convening of a restricted session. If Molotov raises the question the three powers should suggest Saturday. Sir Frank asked whether a member of the tripartite secretariat should sit in on restricted sessions in the event there were decisions to record.
- 3.
-
Austria. (a) It was agreed that the three powers should not raise Austrian participation at Berlin prematurely with Molotov.
(b) Since we were not at all sure that withdrawal of troops would be raised, the three powers should wait until the question is before them before making up their minds on the course of action to be taken. If we are faced with the question of withdrawal of forces we should find out the views of the Austrians with regard to total evacuation or leaving a token force in Austria. Austrian views would not be a governing factor, however.
- Presumably this is the letter referred to in USDEL MIN–6, Document 382.↩
- Regarding the dinner meeting with Molotov, see Secto 78, Document 408.↩