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

662.001/3–2152: Telegram

No. 68
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom¹

secret

Washington, March 14, 1952—7:56 p.m.

4517. ReDeptel 4472, rptd info Paris 5400, Moscow 624, and Bonn 2042.² Fol is summary of tel from Eden to Franks copy of which provided by Brit Embassy: Eden’s view, shared by US and Fr ambassadors with whom Sov note discussed, is that present Sov initiative shld be regarded as reaction to London and Lisbon mtgs³ and as confirming wisdom our policy on EDC and Ger contractuals. Imminent prospect of Fed Rep integration with West has induced this tactical move designed to disturb Western public opinion and to prevent conclusion and/or ratification of the two agreements. Since Sov note in both tone and substance marked considerable advance upon previous proposals Sov Govt perhaps now prepared to pay bigger price in order prevent Fed Rep integration with West.

Unless Sov move handled prudently it may have some attraction for Western public opinion particularly in Ger. We ought to reply soon in way which wld assist Fed Rep Govt in mtg opposition criticism. Although concept of neutralizing Ger may have some attraction in Fr Eden gained impression from Fr ambassador and Maurice Schumann who also present at mtg that Sov note has disturbed Fr opinion particularly on left-wing by proposing Natl Ger army with Natl sources of mil equipment without specified control measures. If properly handled effect in Fr of Sov initiative may be to strengthen support for West Ger rearmament within EDC framework.

While our immediate action need not be affected thereby possibility shld be considered that Sov move may be more than tactical one described above. Sovs may even be prepared to allow free all-Ger election to prevent Ger integration with West with intention of stalling on peace treaty after free Ger Govt established in Berlin leaving situation no better than one now existing in Austria.

Eden suggests reply shld concentrate on that part Sov note relating to creation all-Ger Govt and shld make plain that Fed Rep Govt and Western Allies have already made concrete proposals to this end along lines of which any start must be made.

Important for Western European opinion that press shld take cautious but steady line in commenting on Sov note. Eden has arranged for guidance to be given UK press to effect that Sov note will of course be studied by HMG in consultation with US and Fr Govts and Govt Fed Rep, that any Sov note requires careful examination, and that present note which clearly not unrelated to successful progress of Western policies obviously raises important issues.

Acheson

1. Drafted by Hillenbrand. Repeated to Paris, Moscow, and Bonn.
2. Telegram 4472 reported that Ambassador Franks had been to the Department of State with a message from Eden which would be summarized in a subsequent telegram. (662.001/3–1252)
3. For documentation on the London Foreign Ministers meeting, Feb. 13–19, and the Ninth Session of the North Atlantic Council at Lisbon, Feb. 20–25, see vol. v, Part 1, pp. 36 ff. and 107 ff.