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

862B.49/9–2653: Telegram

No. 754
The United States High Commissioner for Germany (Conant) to the Department of State¹

secret
priority

Bonn, September 26, 1953—2 p.m.

1208. Reference Deptel 1003 dated 24 September 1953² and Bonn’s 1178, repeated Berlin 236 dated 24 September.³

Subsequent to our telegram 1071 dated 17 September⁴ we have had two discussions with British and French re future of food program. In first, both British and French professed concern re possible Soviet reactions to continued publicity, especially as re food and clothing by postal packages, but raised no real objection in principle to future distribution.

In meeting yesterday, following draft proposal to be approved tripartitely as basis for discussion with Germans was given British and French.

Begin verbatim text:

1. Recent telegram from Department proposed new, permanent relief program for east zone Germany through establishment of German-sponsored, US-supported organ. It was assumed that present Berlin food distribution program would be terminated some time within next month or two and new organization would take over food relief, as well as supply of clothing—in response to recent appeal from Chancellor Adenauer to President.⁵ It was contemplated also that new organization would be launched with explanation that temporary program for Berlin food distribution had demonstrated continuing need for assistance in East Germany, which new organization was designed to meet.

2. As envisaged in Bonn, basic point in establishment of new organization is that it should have operating bureau in West Berlin where east zone inhabitants could apply for assistance. There they could be registered and could state their needs. Under this basic plan, several possibilities exist for distribution of relief:

a. “Individualized” packages of food or clothing could be mailed to applicants in the east zone from West Germany. By “individualized” packages is meant packages sent ostensibly from individual in West Germany to one in east zone. (This scheme is now being followed by religious and charitable organizations in West Germany which together send some 2,000,000 postal packages of food to East Germany every month.)

b. West Berlin Bureau could give coupons to applicants which could be exchanged for specified quantities of food or items of clothing at stated distribution points in West Berlin.

c. Coupons as in b above could be given to applicants at West Berlin Bureau entitling them to special, reduced prices in specific retail stores in West Berlin.

d. Additionally to food and clothing relief, West Berlin Bureau could arrange for medical treatment and drugs for east zone applicants.

It will be seen these alternatives are not mutually exclusive.

3. Department has made it clear any US assistance must be overt and susceptible of publicity exploitation. As re new program, it does not appear the Department contemplates great deal more than continued public recognition US assistance.

End verbatim text.

British and French insisted upon necessity to refer to London and Paris. French acting HICOM implied personal agreement on general lines. British acting HICOM was still inclined raise doubts re desirability of program. Latter also inquired re clothing distribution contemplated in recent exchange. It was thereupon made clear that in any case clothing would be provided West Germans for distribution to east, and furthermore that food would continue to be made available to extent West Germany desired; hence present proposal was nothing more than attempt to create effective organization which could carry out relief in orderly manner with tripartite approval.

Meanwhile Thedieck has presented us in writing with views of FedRep and Berlin Senate along lines of Reftel only emphasizing even more strongly German desire to discontinue present program on October 3. (Text being airpouched today⁶). Problem now facing us is to reconcile our proposal outlined above with Thedieck memo. This will be undertaken early next week. In meantime I will talk to Reuter and Thedieck. To latter I will point out serious discrepancy between their position and that taken by Chancellor in requesting us assist re clothing.

In view of trend termination present food distribution in Berlin on October 3 appears inescapable. Announcement will have to be made shortly before, giving reason for termination improved food situation in Soviet zone after completion of harvest. At same time we hope to reach agreement enabling us make announcement on some type of continued aid. Actual institution of new organization and aid will obviously require longer preparation.

Conant

1. Repeated to Berlin.
2. Telegram 1003 requested the comments of HICOG Bonn on the Department’s plan for conversion of the food parcel program to a permanent basis. (862B.49/9–1753)
3. Supra.
4. Telegram 236 reported that HICOG Bonn had discussed the conversion plan with the French and British, both of whom had requested more details. (862B.49/9–1753)
5. Document 744.
6. Transmitted in despatch 1065 from Bonn, Sept. 26. (862B.49/9–2653)