Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Berlin Crisis, 1958–1959, Volume VIII

56. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State⁰

Moscow, November 21, 1958, 6 p.m.

1132. Eyes only Secretary. Am inclined believe Soviets will move soon on Berlin situation. Unless it is believed we could obtain British support for strong stand before Soviets take action suggest we might consider attempting secure prompt British and French agreement to bluff based on recommendation either para 4 or 5 mytel 1128.¹ We would agree secretly with British and French that if bluff called on either of these lines of action in lieu of actual use of force we would call for top level meeting with Soviets at which we would salvage what we could from the situation. Realize extremely dangerous to attempt bluff Soviets but I cannot see that we would have much more to lose than we will if present weak British position is accepted. To be successful decision would have to be extremely closely held by all governments concerned and dressed up with all appropriate moves including meeting of NSC at which decision to use force would actually be taken.

Thompson

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.00/11–2158. Top Secret; Priority.
1. Document 55.