740.00119 Control (Germany)/2–1749: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
249. ReDeptel 176, February 13.1 At meeting three military governors Frankfurt yesterday, Koenig stated he could not agree to Robertson’s proposal introduction West mark in Berlin. He contended that as French Government has agreed to support US counter-proposal in SC and as this counter-proposal takes into account the political situation in Berlin, French Government cannot therefore agree to unilateral decision when SC is considering question.2 Furthermore, such action would link Berlin with Western zones which was contrary to his government’s policy. Koenig requested that this matter be postponed until decision by SC or if such decision unduly prolonged that problem be reexamined in three or four weeks by military governors.
Clay stated US position was that West mark should be introduced into Berlin at early date. Over 60 percent of food for Berlin provided by US and UK is paid off in East marks which as compensation is only so much waste paper. If West marks were acquired they could usefully be employed.
Robertson stated that he was very disappointed to hear French answer. UK has also had hesitations because of SC consideration but now believes we are threatened with financial disaster and time has come to introduce West mark. SC negotiations have already been protracted and time for action has come.
[Page 677]Koenig made no reply to these arguments other than to state that views expressed would be conveyed to his government.
Sent Department; repeated Paris 98, London 116.
- Not printed.↩
- In telegram 657, February 15, from Paris, not printed, Caffery had transmitted the translation of a letter from Chauvel in which the French Government agreed to support the United States counterproposal in the negotiations with the members of the Security Council on the understanding that the counterproposal was an interim arrangement which might serve as a basis for discussion if Berlin should be reunified. (740.00119 Control (Germany)/2–1549)↩