149. Editorial Note
In telegram 1768 to Moscow, January 29, 1962, the Department of State instructed Ambassador Thompson to meet once again with Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko on Berlin, stating that “we should still keep discussion within broader framework and not yet indicate we have come to conclusion that all hope of arrangement other than for in extremis situation has been abandoned.” The telegram continued, “we see purpose of next round, therefore, as essentially to impress on Soviets that rigid maintenance of their present position will prevent agreement but that some flexibility on their part may provide basis for progress.” For text, see Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, volume XIV, pages 772–775.
In telegram 2100 to the Department of State, February 1, Thompson reported back on his meeting with Gromyko, during which no apparent progress was made. “Gromyko stated he must assume that the USG apparently does not have any intention of discussing seriously the matters [Page 356] under question.” This was confirmed, he stated, by the fact that the proposals presented by the U.S. were “not at all realistic and Soviet attitude toward them is well-known.” In telegram 2175, February 9, Thompson reported on yet another meeting with Gromyko, which produced no apparent progress. For text of telegrams 2100 and 2175, see ibid., pages 784–788 and 797–800.