240. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Germany1
Washington, December 2, 1967,
0020Z.
78192. NATUS. Ref: Bonn’s 5716.2 Subj: Dealing with French Obstructionism on Berlin and All-German Matters.
- 1.
- Department agrees with your assessment of French obstructionsim on Berlin and All-German matters. We also agree that we may have to move independently on important cases when we meet French intransigence, to the extent of acquainting FRG Foreign Office with our view. We think that from past experience in such cases we have, at least, demonstrated to the Germans where the obstacle lies.
- 2.
- We have some reservations, however, in agreeing with you that this be done by a general review with Duckwitz. There seems to us to be some danger that we might give FRG impression we are seeking to cause difficulties between Bonn and Paris or forcing Germany to choose between friendship with France and friendship with the United States, a danger which you pointed out in your A–553.3 There would be little likelihood of creating such an impression if we support Germans on specific cases, on an ad hoc basis, in which they are interested and involved.
- 3.
- Finally, we think it would be useful for you to review this matter with UK Ambassador, and would of course, be glad to hear your further views.
Rusk
- Source: Department of State, Central Files,POL 28 GER B. Confidential. Drafted by Hirschfeld; cleared in GER, FBX, and L; and approved by Stoessel. Repeated to Berlin, London, Paris, Moscow, and USNATO.↩
- Telegram 5716, November 29, made recommendations for dealing with possible French obstructionism. (Ibid.)↩
- Airgram A–553, September 3, reported on the high priority Germany gave its relations with France. (Ibid., POL FR–GER W)↩