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

168. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Missions⁰

Washington, January 15, 1963, 13:07 p.m.

1238. Paris pass USRO, Stoessel, McGuire. Soviets appear be attempting spread story that US Government has almost reached agreement with them in course discussions with Kuznetsov on nuclear testing and Berlin (Western troops to remain under UN flag). This only latest in series of planted Soviet statements (e.g. Soviet Amb Vinogradov’s remarks in Paris and Gromyko speech).¹

Obvious purpose this campaign is to accredit notion that US has been negotiating with Soviet Union behind backs our allies, and thus feed suspicion and resentment against US. Although Kuznetsov mentioned to President German problem, including Berlin along with disarmament as major questions requiring solution, there was no discussion of the German problem. Kuznetsov did briefly discuss Berlin problem with Secretary² but merely along lines restatement standard Soviet position. Last significant discussion with Soviets on Berlin was Secretary’s talk with Gromyko (October 18, 1962)³ which did nothing to advance solution of problem. Kuznetsov has not been involved in testing and disarmament discussions.

Although US continues to hope progress on disarmament including nuclear testing can be made, addressees can in their discretion take appropriate means flatly deny Soviet allegations relating to Berlin and expose their real purpose.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 700.5611/1–1563. Confidential. Drafted and initialed by Thompson and Tyler; cleared by Davis, Manning, NEA, and S; and approved by Tyler. Sent to the NATO capitals, Madrid, Warsaw, and Berlin and repeated to Moscow.
1. On January 10 Vinogradov had stated in a speech at Paris that the United States and the Soviet Union were close to reaching a settlement on a number of World War II issues. The next day, in a circular telegram to European posts, the Department of State noted that Vinogradov’s remarks appeared merely to echo what Gromyko had said to the Supreme Soviet on December 13, 1962, and that they were without foundation. (Circular telegram 1223; ibid., 762.00/1–1163)
2. See Document 167.
3. See Document 136.