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

762A.00/4–953: Telegram

No. 573
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Bonn¹

top secret

Washington, April 9, 1953—5:44 p.m.

4860. Based JCS recommendation, Defense has requested Department approve initiation tripartite politico-military planning re certain aspects NSC 132/1² including stockpiles, emergency unification Berlin military command, and airlift (though latter authorized Deptel 1110 to Bonn repeated Berlin 144 (summary sent as infotel September 11 to Paris, London, Moscow³) Defense reports planning not yet satisfactorily completed).⁴

Department suggesting above might appropriately parallel HICOM discussions and planning already under way re stockpile, countermeasures, etc. (Deptel 1648 to Bonn repeated Berlin 227 London 2489 Paris 2021 Moscow 393⁵) and be conducted in coordination with latter. Defense being requested designate appropriate US military planning representative, presumably CINCUSAREUR, who will be instructed communicate with you.

London and Paris Embassies requested take up briefly with Foreign Offices, pointing out our discussions re possible Berlin contingencies should include certain military planning in addition HICOM talks already under way, and we therefore request their Governments to select and authorize appropriate military representatives in Germany to participate, these discussions presumably best institued via HICOM. You will wish emphasize that proposal contemplates planning on a contingent basis, i.e. decision to implement joint plans to be developed would be reserved for three governments in light political and military considerations pertaining at the time.

Fuller particulars being pouched Bonn. Proposal should incidentally cover matter raised Bonn’s 4310 repeated Berlin 529.⁶

Dulles

1. Drafted by Morris and cleared in draft with Bonbright, Riddleberger, Matthews, Parsons, Knight, Eleanor Dulles, and the Department of Defense. Also sent to London and Paris and repeated to Berlin and Frankfurt.
2. Document 547.
3. Telegram 1110 is not printed. (962.50/8–2752) The information telegram under reference has not been found in Department of State files.
4. The JCS recommendations were transmitted to the Department of State as an enclosure to a letter from Secretary Wilson to Secretary Dulles, dated Mar. 2. (762A.5/3–253)
5. Not printed. (762.0221/10–852)
6. Telegram 4310 reported that the British and French wanted to discuss airlift planning further and summarized their capabilities during the first period of such an airlift. (762A.0221/3–2053)