91. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Germany1
2086. Reference Bonn’s 2750.2 While we are aware that fuss and feathers in Bundestag on the issue of Brandt’s memorandum represents largely domestic political in-fighting, there is nevertheless a question of principle involved which should be upheld. Pending final solution of the German problem, the three Western Powers retain certain clear and onerous responsibilities with regard to Berlin and to Germany as a whole, which place them in a special position. The US Government cannot accept the thesis, either explicitly stated or implied, that it may not receive the views of a Berlin official on matters relating to matters of common interest. Obviously the US Government has not and will not negotiate on such matters and will follow its practice of full consultation with the FRG on Berlin and German questions.
Request you take early appropriate opportunity to remind and caution Schroeder along above lines and to express firm hope that FRG will do what it can to squelch further debate on this issue, which can only be unprofitable for all concerned.3 FYI—We must not, by easy stages, be led into position that we consider West Berlin a part of FRG to the detriment of our responsibility as occupying power. End FYI.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files,POL EUR E–EUR W. Confidential. Drafted by Tyler and Rusk and approved by Rusk. Repeated to London, Paris, Moscow, and Berlin.↩
- Telegram 2750 from Bonn, January 22, reported that release of a copy of the memorandum that Brandt had given Secretary Rusk had sparked Parliamentary debate. (Ibid.)↩
- In telegram 2771 from Bonn, January 25, McGhee suggested that the U.S. approach on this issue be “low key.” (Ibid.)↩