762.00/4–1050: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Frankfort 1
priority
2512. For McCloy. We have studied excellent recapitulation of your program for follow-up on all-Ger elections proposed by Bonn Govt and comments on Deptel 2252 Apr 3 contained urtel 3014 Apr 10 (rptd Berlin 206, London 171, Paris 266, Moscow 23). Dept agrees with your analysis of importance not permitting Western initiative drop and is now prepared authorize you to proceed with program along lines outlined urtel 2605 Mar 28 (rptd Berlin 156, London 144, Paris 227, Moscow unno.2).
Form of control which might be exercised by Occupying Powers over a possible all-Ger Govt and timing of reference to it in our offers to Sovs continue to be a matter of concern to us. We think this aspect of problem must be carefully considered in light of factors outlined Deptel 2252. Although inclined to agree that any actual move toward negots on this point might best be deferred until third stage of program outlined urtel 3014, we think it would be dangerous to omit any mention of it at this stage. Believe problem can be met by inclusion of brief statement in proposal to Sovs to effect that if agreement reached on electoral law consideration of form of quadripartite control shld then be discussed. Statement must make clear that we would insist on liberalized system of control which wld permit an all-Ger Govt to function effectively. Thus, while limiting possible initial negots to electoral law, we wld have made our ultimate conditions clear from beginning and cld not be charged at some later time with introducing new demands calculated to wreck plan for Ger unity.
In proceeding with this program consider it of utmost importance to prevent any disclosure of our plans to press. Pls stress this fact to your Brit and Fr colleagues and to Ger officials with whom you discuss problem. In our opinion divulgence of plans re all-Berlin elections has largely nullified their effectiveness.
[Page 627]In proceeding with program pls keep Dept fully informed and clear texts of agreed statements or proposals with us in advance of issuance.