229. Telegram From the Embassy in Germany to the Department of State 1
1331. Re Deptel 1526 and mytel 1294.2 Chancellor still confined to his home, unable to receive visitors, and therefore sent Osterheld to me this morning with letter for the President. Signed copy is being sent by air pouch. Following is our translation:
“My Dear Mr. President,
“Ambassador Dowling sent me your letter on November 29.3 I thank you for it and especially for your friendly words about my visit to [Page 642] Washington. You may be assured, Mr. President, that I also think back on the days in the United States with happiness and with the greatest satisfaction. Compared to this my illness does not matter at all.
“It did not surprise me that the discussions between President de Gaulle and Prime Minister Macmillan had no very positive result. I regret this as much as you do. I am also in this regard completely of your view that it is extremely important not to give Khrushchev the impression that the West is disunited. Every indication of divergence on our side confirms Khrushchev in his conviction that the Alliance of the Free World still has no endurance and that it will therefore be possible for him to carry through his plans.
“As you know, I shall meet with President de Gaulle on December 9. I shall present to him your and my opinion and I shall do my best to convince him that we should not strengthen Khrushchev’s hopes and that we must at least outwardly present an impression of complete agreement. As soon as I have returned from Paris I shall write to you.
“In the last several days I have thought over all that you said in Washington, among other points also the question of direct communication between Bonn and Washington. I would very much favor it if arrangements could be made so that you could also be reached from Bonn in a few minutes, just as it is already possible to reach you from London and Paris, as you told me.
“The days in Washington were very good.
“With heartfelt greetings, I am as always, Yours.”
FYI. Osterheld informs me that for some reason Chancellor has not yet informed FonOff of the President’s letter and expressly asked that I handle his reply. Presumably, Chancellor will tell FonOff of exchange in due time but until then Department should keep in mind that neither FonOff nor Grewe are aware of these letters.
- Source: Department of State, Presidential Correspondence: Lot 66 D 204. Secret; Niact; Eyes Only.↩
- Telegram 1526 is printed as Document 225. Telegram 1294 is not printed.↩
- See Document 225.↩