Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XV, Berlin Crisis, 1962–1963

120. Telegram From the Mission at Berlin to the Embassy in Germany⁰

Berlin, September 25, 1962, 8 p.m.

407. Paris also for USRO and McGuire. USAREUR for POLAD. SHAPE for Stoessel and US Element Live Oak. Ref: USCINCEUR ECJCO 9–14604/14 Sept (not sent all addees).¹ Mission understands that consideration being given by CINCEUR to desirability withdrawing battle group which has augmented Berlin garrison since August 61. It is our further understanding that in this consideration account being taken of political and psychological factors which basic to this issue. Purpose this message is to stress this point and the risk attached to any attempt to plan reduction at particular point in future on assumption that conditions then would permit it.

When battle group moved to Berlin in August 61 it was recognized subsequent withdrawal would pose problems. Move however had definite (and principally psychological) purpose which it by and large achieved. Mission believes withdrawal battle group under conditions of great uncertainty as to Sov intention re Berlin would be most unwise. In light of past experience such move could be interpreted by important segments of public and governmental opinion in West Berlin, the FRG and other NATO countries as a sign of US weakness on Berlin issue. At very least it would raise serious questions in minds of Berliners as to American intentions. Danger also exists that unintentional disclosure plans could prove exceedingly embarrassing.

Mission believes that consideration should not be given to withdrawing battle group unless a reasonably long period of calm has existed in Berlin, or else when something positive could be gained from withdrawal, for example as forthcoming gesture in connection with settlement of the Berlin issue. Fact that it may be long time before these conditions exist must be accepted.

General Watson concurs.²

Hulick

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.00/9–2562. Secret. Repeated to the Department of State, London, Moscow, Paris, SHAPE, and USAREUR. The source text is the Department of State copy.
1. Not found.
2. On September 25 the Embassy in Moscow strongly supported these views, stating that withdrawal at the present time would likely be interpreted by the Soviet Union as a weakening of U.S. intentions with respect to Berlin. (Telegram 757; Department of State, Central Files, 762.00/9–2562) In telegram 1503 from Paris, also September 25, SHAPE commented that although there had been some tentative thinking about the possibility of terminating the Berlin garrison augmentation, this had not gone beyond the exploratory stage. (Ibid.) ECJCO 9–14604 had merely been an inquiry on how the reorganization might be handled with no dates mentioned.