175. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Germany1
1964. Reference Bonn’s 2022 December 17.2 Request Bonn inform British we prepared proceed on basis statement their representative reported reftel that British might agree engage in military planning exercises on basis our Berlin policy paper while reserving political decision on courses of action. Upon ascertaining whether British now prepared proceed on this basis report findings by cable with repeat to Paris.
[Page 412]Providing British react favorably to US approach at Bonn, request Paris inform Foreign Office that US has accepted British suggestion outlined above and urge that French support this position so that military planning can be undertaken on tripartite basis. It should be explained to French that while situation relatively quiet in Berlin now it would not be safe to assume it will remain so. Western Powers have publicly committed themselves on repeated occasions to maintain their position in Berlin. They cannot allow themselves to be pushed out without most serious damage to entire international position vis-à-vis Soviet Union. There are no present indications that Soviets prepared resort severe or far-reaching measures affecting Western position Berlin either themselves or through GDR but possibility cannot be completely excluded. If emergency were to arise it would come about quickly. Therefore considered essential have plans covering various contingencies prepared in advance which could be turned to should occasion demand major political decision under pressure of emergency situation. Advance political commitment to specific courses of action not implied. Military planning of hypothetical nature envisaged similar that successfully pursued by Western Allies in variety other connections.
Defense concurs this message.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.0221/12–1755. Top Secret. Drafted in the Office of German Affairs and cleared by Eleanor Dulles, Reinstein, Merchant, and the Department of Defense. Also sent to Paris and repeated to Berlin, Heidelberg, and London.↩
- Telegram 2022 [2 pages of source text] was not declassified.↩