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

210. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Germany⁰

Washington, August 15, 1963, 2:36 p.m.

475. Paris also pass USRO. Ref: Deptel 462.¹ Subj: Practical Measures on Berlin.

1. We can at this point only speculate on what lay behind Gromyko’s references on August 7 to “practical measures” to Secretary and Home. We note, however, that these follow Khrushchev threat to step on Allied “corns” to Spaak. They also follow Ulbricht July 31 speech to Volkskammer,² in which he complained regarding Allied access to east Berlin, use of air corridors by civil airlines, and TTDs. All these appear to be directed toward enhancement status GDR.

2. These statements could also be related to GDR moves related to IZT. We note in this regard apparent GDR effort move discussion “political” questions out of IZT framework (Bonn 546).³

3. Soviets may, therefore, be trying to shift focus on Berlin from Allied troops to Allied access. Coupled with effort to increase Soviet presence in west Berlin, this could be designed pursue Soviet objectives through step by step approach which kept pressure on but minimized risks. Practical measures may also have been raised to serve notice on West that continued lull in Berlin cannot be taken for granted.

4. It remains to be seen whether Soviets intend pursue question “practical measures” with us, will allow GDR see what they can do, or will use combination Soviet and GDR efforts. We are also not yet clear as to how Soviets propose relate “practical measures” on Berlin to NAP and partial disarmament measures.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 28 Berlin. Confidential; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Ausland; cleared by Ambassador at Large Thompson, Valdes (SOV), and Baraz (INR/SOV); and approved by Davis. Repeated to Berlin, Paris, London, Moscow, SHAPE, U.S. Element Live Oak, CINCEUR, USAREUR, and USAFE.
1. Telegram 462, August 14, summarized the practical measures that Gromyko had outlined to Secretary Rusk on August 6 (see Document 207). (Department of State, Central Files, POL 28 Berlin)
2. For text of this speech, see Dokumente zur Deutschlandpolitik, 1963, pp. 587–600.
3. Dated August 10. (Department of State, Central Files, FT 4 E GER-W GER)