Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Central and Southeastern Europe, Volume XXVI

184. Telegram From the Mission in Berlin to the Embassy in Germany¹

Berlin, January 12, 1957—1 p.m.

623. From the Ambassador. Last night at British Ambassador’s farewell Berlin reception, Soviet Ambassador Pushkin concurred in my affirmation that British, French and American Ambassadors and the corresponding commanding generals had in 1953 and have now authority to determine who shall be carried on Western military trains.

This concurrence proceeded from conversation I sought with Pushkin after hearing encouraging report from Hoyer Millar (Berlin’s following telegram).² Pushkin told me that existence of a train problem caused by press penchant for sensationalism and asserted that violations train understandings by Western side had induced Soviets merely to correct laxity of recent years and to re-approach, although not reach, 1953 status. I replied that I remembered 1953, that train situation was then satisfactory and that if same situation were to prevail now, I should be content. It was at this point I emphasized Western Ambassadors and generals right to determine who shall be carried on military trains, an assertion in which Pushkin acquiesced.

Tenor Pushkin’s remarks certainly indicates that civilian Soviet authorities do not wish challenge essential train rights at this time. Pushkin also revealed definite sensitivity to crisis publicity re Berlin, perhaps as prejudicial to Soviet soft tactics in Berlin, which I have reason to believe are still in effect. As Pushkin just returned from Moscow, his attitude probably reflects latest line.

Concluding conversation concerning our respective tenures in Germany brought forth incidental information Pushkin anticipates transfer within the year.

Gufler

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.0221/1–1257. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to London, Moscow, Paris, and Washington. The source text is the Department of State copy.
2. This telegram reported that Hoyer Millar had raised with Pushkin the question of Soviet controls on Allied transportation to Berlin, mentioning in particular the threat made to confiscate passports. Pushkin had replied that the Soviets were merely trying to return to practices which had been in effect in 1952–1953, and had no intention of interfering with Allied access. (Ibid., 762.0221/1–1257)