Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Berlin Crisis, 1959–1960; Germany; Austria, Volume IX

209. Telegram From the Embassy in Germany to the Department of State ⁰

Bonn, September 2, 1960, 7 p.m.

357. While it may be true, as most intelligence reports seem to indicate, that Soviet zone authorities were motivated primarily by need to check refugee flow in imposing Berlin access restrictions, I regard it as significant that they are acting as if separate treaty were already in effect and Soviets had in fact turned over access controls to them. It seems to me that even if restrictions lifted September 4, as is probable, we must expect reimposition of controls, perhaps even more far-reaching, if they are led to conclude our reactions will be confined to protests. While it may be as yet early to put forward full blueprint of actions which might be taken, I would urge that we at least prepare groundwork at this stage for whatever course may recommend itself, depending upon further developments.

To this end, I today requested tripartite meeting to consider drafting of public statement by Western Powers re past interferences with access, coupled with clear statement our legal position (as suggested by Brandt in my conversation with him on August 25, and also referred to in Berlin’s 120 to Dept),¹ which might be submitted to govts for possible use. In spite of some British reluctance, tripartite drafting is now under way, and I hope agreed text can be completed today for Dept’s consideration.²

I believe also that FedRep should be asked to make statement indicating connection between interzonal trade and free access, as also suggested Berlin’s 120.

To sum up, I feel we must regard issue as most serious challenge since blockade to Berlin access, and that we must now begin to build up case before world opinion for what I fear will be real test of strength re status of Berlin.

Dowling

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.00/9–260. Secret; Priority. Repeated to London, Paris, Moscow, and Berlin.
1. No record of Dowling’s conversation with Brandt has been found. Telegram 120 from Berlin, September 2, reported that the West Berlin press was speculating on whether the Western Powers would take further steps in reaction to the closing of East Berlin. (Ibid., 662A.62B/9–160)
2. In telegram 361 from Bonn, September 2, the Embassy transmitted the text of an agreed tripartite paper refuting the arguments made by the German Democratic Republic in closing the border. (Ibid., 762.00/9–260) On September 3, the Department of State approved its release. (Telegram 425 to Bonn; ibid., 762.00/9–360) For text of the statement, see Documents on Germany, 1944–1985, pp. 716–717.