Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Germany and Austria, Volume VII, Part 2

762.0221/9–952: Telegram

No. 562
The Director of the Berlin Element, HICOG (Lyon) to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Bonn¹

secret

Berlin, September 9, 1952—11 p.m.

472. From Donnelly. As previously arranged, I made my initial call on Gen. Chuikov this afternoon. In addition to General, there were present Sov Deputy Chairman Semichastnov and Amb Semenov.

After usual preliminary courtesies, I referred to Chuikov’s latest communication in which he had disclaimed any knowledge of Dr. Linse’s presence in Sov Zone and of any facts surrounding kidnapping. I pointed out that it was difficult for me to believe that in view of responsibilities and control exercised in Sov Zone that nothing more concrete than what was alleged in his letter cld be ascertained. Both Chuikov and Semenov reverted to their earlier arguments that as kidnapping had taken place in Amer sector, it was difficult for them to ascertain any facts. Semenov endeavored to turn argument by introducing question of presence in East Ger of espionage and sabotage groups from Western Ger pointing out that recent trials by Peoples Courts in Sov Zone of Ger had clearly demonstrated that such groups as free jurists organization and organization against inhumanity had deliberately furnished provocateurs and saboteurs to upset regime in East Ger. When I asked whether this matter had been brought up in connection with Dr. Linse or whether he implied Dr. Linse was connected with them, he immed denied any such connection. I stressed the fact that US Govt was interested in this case not only because of its humane aspect, but also because kidnapping had taken place in our sector of Berlin and that the US Govt intended to press the matter until Dr. Linse was released. In conclusion, I suggested that joint inquiry be made to investigate all of the facts in order to facilitate release of Dr. Linse. With some reluctance and despite Semenov’s obvious reluctance Chuikov agreed to joint inquiry suggesting that in first instance it be conducted by the respective chiefs of protocol. (I have given instructions to initiate this tomorrow.)

I then reverted to unnecessarily long delays which have been experienced by trucks at Helmstedt checkpoint as an instance of one of the harassments which might be eliminated. Chuikov seemed to attach some significance to fact that their investigations showed a heavy flow of traffic at night.

Semenov introduced subject of US restricted list claiming that under pretext they wld contribute to mil potential of Sov Union we had blocked numerous items for import to Sov Zone, thus interfering with legitimate exchange of goods. I replied that if Sovs were implying that we were not living up to New York–Paris agreement² they were in the wrong. Semenov promised to send me further details on this point.

I next said that to continue with my education about Sov harassments I shld like to query Chuikov as to reasons why US mil personnel had been interfered with when they were proceeding down the Autobahn to the US checkpoint at Dreilinden (ref Berlin’s to Bonn 464, rptd Dept 405, Heidelberg for Williams 24³). Chuikov expressed some surprise over this matter, indicating that there must have been some mistake and that he wld have it immed investigated. (Despite his promise to do so the relief patrol was turned back at 6 p.m. this evening on the Autobahn and forced to make a detour to the checkpoint.)

Chuikov then took up his own alleged grievances (see Berlin’s to Bonn 470, rptd Dept 412, pouched Moscow⁴). In conclusion, Chuikov stressed importance of more regular mtgs to discuss such problems and I agreed to make this effort.

The atmosphere of the mtg was relatively cordial, and it wld seem worthwhile to follow up on Chuikov’s suggestion for more regular mtgs in order to test him out, although I am skeptical as to how productive they will be.

Chuikov returned my call by attending in company with Semenov, General Mathewson’s large reception for me this evening.⁵

Lyon

1. Repeated to Moscow and Washington; the source text is the copy in Department of State files.
2. The reference here has not been identified further, although Donnelly may be referring to the May 4, 1949, New York agreement (Foreign Relations, 1949, vol. iii, p. 750) and the Paris communiqué, June 20, 1949 (ibid., p. 1062).
3. Not printed. (762.0221/9–952)
4. Telegram 470 reported that Chuikov had complained about restrictions on members of the Soviet mission at Frankfurt. Donnelly had replied that U.S. officers had been restricted in their movements in the Eastern Zone and it was agreed that both sets of restrictions should be dropped. (762.0221/9–952)
5. In addition to the meeting with Chuikov and the reception, Donnelly held a press conference on Sept. 9 and a luncheon on Sept. 10 during his stay in Berlin. These two events were described in telegrams 413 and 424 from Berlin, Sept. 9 and 10. (762.0221/9–952 and 9–1052)