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

862B.49/9–3053: Telegram

No. 755
The United States High Commissioner for Germany (Conant) to the Department of State¹

secret
priority

Bonn, September 30, 1953—8 p.m.

1258. For Secretary from Conant. French have agreed proposal Bonn’s 1208 to Department, repeated Berlin 244, 26 September,² approved Deptel 1051, repeated Berlin 215, 29 September,³ purely as basis for discussion with Germans but with strong reservations against publicity for scheme. British Foreign Office has not yet replied but we understand they feel even more strongly against publicity and may have made representations to Department through Embassy. Meanwhile, we found it necessary continue discussions with Germans, and both Federal Republic and Berlin authorities are vigorously opposed to continuance of any Berlin food distribution program. Germans have many objections as indicated Thedieck memorandum sent by pouch September 26.⁴Reuter, originator of Berlin scheme, was most insistent upon termination Berlin activity.

Germans believe profit from Berlin distribution is about to turn into loss. This opinion shared by British and French. Germans report punitive measures against parcel recipients are leading to resentment against US which will increase. Inability of many Soviet Zone residents to profit from scheme also creates resentment. I feel we must not let tremendous August success be replaced by negative or hostile reaction which I am convinced is growing. Letters to RIAS increasingly complain of punitive measures and emphasize desirability of alternatives, such as freedom of movement.

In addition, we must keep West Berlin open to East Germans. Soviet Zone restrictions on travel to Berlin are thwarting this basic objective. Visible stop to Berlin food distribution will, we hope, result in returning East Zone Berlin travel to normal.

After earnest consideration of all factors, particularly strong attitude of Federal Republic, I am convinced that when present Berlin food distribution program terminates October 3, as scheduled, neither permanent organization proposed in Deptel 787 repeated Berlin 167, 5 September,⁵ nor registration system proposed in our reference cable above should presently be initiated. Either of these would assure continued repressive measures with no compensatory gain. Germans point out they would be even more objectionable than present scheme to Soviets, as registration center and pay office for spies. …You will understand US is not in position to insist on continuation of Berlin program in face of German refusal both in Berlin and Federal Republic. Furthermore, distribution from Federal Republic depends on cooperation Federal Republic authorities and independent German organizations.

From German point of view we could discontinue Berlin distribution even if no acceptable substitute were found. Germans are well aware of growing difficulties and frank explanation as proposed below would be accepted.

I realize, however, that we do not want to admit defeat of our food distribution promise made in July, and that your problem with US press and Congress does not permit solution solely in light of psychological gain or loss here in Germany. Accordingly, we have sought substitute which will avoid preceding objections, permit restoration of Berlin travel, and still allow continuance of acceptable food program. I request authorization to accept Federal Republic plan which follows:

In this plan, distinction must be drawn between (a) charitable associations organized both in East and West Germany, i.e., primarily Catholic and Protestant churches, and (b) those organized only in West with no Eastern counterpart, e.g., Red Cross, Paritaetische Hilfswerke, etc. The first group, because of their Eastern connections, will have no part in any program in which American aid is publicized, although they will increase their parcel shipments with American assistance if this can be done without publicity and if identifiable American food can be exchanged so that parcel contents are German in character. There is also possibility of some small bulk shipments under special circumstances. The second group must apply the same conditions to their parcel shipment program since American food in parcels or publicity regarding American support would simply result in interruption of whole parcel program with deep resentment against US in both East and West Germany. However, second group can at same time conduct an open program for distribution of food packages to Soviet Zone residents in interzone travel, estimated up to 200,000 per month, and establishment of feeding stations at main border crossing points. Thedieck asserts they will do this, with acknowledgment of American support, provided they do not feel they are involved in propaganda campaign. He believes scheme can be further broadened by persuading sponsor organizations, e.g., Red Cross, to use members of women’s and youth organizations in actual operations and that it will probably be possible to issue food in American packages, allowing traveler opportunity to repack before recrossing border.

If this scheme can be agreed, it seems to me to afford not only the publicity you need in US but to provide good cover for parcel program which has already increased by more than half-million per month and Germans hope to increase by more than another million by Christmas.

Drawback is that Thedieck feels he cannot announce this substitute before agreement reached with West Zone organizations and assurance no exaggerated publicity here. This may require ten days. Meanwhile, he would propose to issue statement Friday morning German time as quoted below and if you approve would follow with second quote below.

Foregoing plan does not cover clothing program so satisfactorily. Apparently Chancellor advanced this idea without checking with his experts. To extent clothing not identifiable as American it can be handled in parcels, and American outer garments may be used in West Germany, releasing others of German origin for shipment to East Germany. However, I would advise against big clothing drive until we see how this can be developed and believe best if private organizations in US arrange with charitable organizations here.

Disposition of food in pipeline to be worked out with Germans in light of decision and specific plan agreed. Following is proposed joint statement Federal Republic and Berlin Senat as drafted by Thedieck and not yet cleared Berlin.

Verbatim text:

“Food packages have been distributed to population of occupation zone and East Berlin since beginning of Berlin aid program July 27, 1953. Millions of families in all parts of middle Germany in this way have received help in their great need. Federal Government and Berlin Senat have welcomed with gratitude active support of US in this charitable enterprise.

Unfortunately Soviet Zone authorities have, to ever increasing degree, exposed recipients of these packages to political defamation and economic ruin, thereby completely disregarding humanitarian aim of this help and denying existence of actual supply shortages in their zone. In view of danger to which aid recipients are exposed by Soviet Zone authorities. Federal Government and Berlin Senat do not feel they can be responsible for continuation this program. Therefore issuing of food packages in West Berlin will be stopped on October 3, 1953. Federal Government and Berlin Senat are aware that need of large segments of population in Soviet Zone of occupation is not eliminated. They will continue to make all efforts to aid Germans of Soviet Zone struggling with their daily needs, to best of their ability and with support of population of Federal Republic and the free world. They are certain that the free world, with US at its head, will give all possible support to this relief effort.”

Following is my proposed statement subject to your approval:

Verbatim text:

“Federal Republic and Berlin Senat have recently announced it is impractical to start another round of distribution of food packages in West Berlin for inhabitants of East Zone. This decision has been forced upon West authorities by increasingly hostile attitude of Soviet rulers of East Germany. One hardly needs to underline what a sad state of affairs exists in one part of Germany when authorities take such repressive measures against inhabitants as to prevent them obtaining relief supplies sent by other Germans with the assistance of US Government. American people are glad they have had opportunity of participating in Berlin food package distribution program and are anxious to continue demonstrate their sympathy with Germans who are now under Soviet rule. I am, therefore, glad that Federal Republic plans to continue to make available food to inhabitants in Soviet Zone of Germany and also certain articles of clothing. US will thus continue to assist in humanitarian program of relief.”

If these statements are to appear in German press October 3, last day of Berlin program, they must be released Friday noon, German time.⁶

Conant

1. Repeated to Berlin.
2. Supra.
3. Not printed. (862B.49/9–2653)
4. See footnote 6, supra.
5. Document 747.
6. In telegram 1079 to Bonn, Oct. 1, 1953, the Department approved the basic proposal transmitted herein by Conant and suggested certain revisions in the draft texts of the two public announcements. (862B.49/9–3053)