LETTER TO GENERAL BRUCE C. CLARKE, FROM(Sanitized)
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C
Document Page Count:
24
Document Creation Date:
December 14, 2016
Document Release Date:
March 17, 2003
Sequence Number:
8
Case Number:
Publication Date:
April 16, 1962
Content Type:
LETTER
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ER 62-22&/a
General Bruce C. Clarke, U3A
Commander in Chief
Headquarters, United States Ail', Europe
APO 403
New York, New York
Dear General Clarke:
in the absence of }Jr McCone who is out of the
city on a brief trip, I would like to acknowledge and
thank you very such for your letter of 9 April and for the
closed document.
When Mr. McCone returns to his office, this vi U be
brought to his attention,
3i rely,
Assistant to the Director
STAT
STAT
O/DCIA :rap(16 Apr 62)
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HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES ARMY, EUROPE
Office of the Commander in Chief
Dear Mr. McCone,
APO 403
9 April 1962
In view of your recent visit to Berlin and your
interest in the situation there, I enclose a copy of the
record of my meeting with Marshal Koniev, the Com-
mander in Chief of the Group of Soviet Forces in Ger-
many, last Thursday at Potsdam.
I believe you may find something in this
document which will be of interest to you.
Sincerely,
BRUCE C. CLARKE
General USA
Commander in Chief
The Honorable John A. McCone
2430 E Street
Washington 25, D. C.
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SUBJECT: Brief of Report of Meetings Between the Corniiianders in Chief, United
States Army, Europe, and Group of Soviet Forces, Germany
1. In 1947 a document known as the Huebner-Malinin Agreement was signed
between the United States and the Soviet Commanders in Germany, agreeing to an
exchange of military liaison missions accredited to their Staffs in the Zones
of Occupation in Germany. On 5 April 1962, a series of meetings were held in
Potsdam between the U. S. Delegation headed by General Clarke and the Soviet
Delegation headed by Marshal Ivan S. Koniev, Commander in Chief of the Group'
of Soviet Forces in Germany, to discuss the operation of the military liaison
missions(MLMs).
2. The first meeting was held in the Soviet Officers Club in which it was
understood by the U. S. Delegation that the meeting at the Club would be more
of a social occasion. At this meeting part of the opening remarks went like this:
KONIEV: I propose opening conversations here with lunch afterwards.
CLARKE: I have already eaten lunch. I was not told of your plans for a
luncheon. If I don't have to eat much - fine. I . . .
KONIEV: If I can't extend. . . . if my hospitality is not accepted, I cannot
show you Soviet traditional hospitality. We have good preparations. I think
we can get to the subject of relations of MLMs quickly.
CLARKE: I still feel it necessary to get my papers. I suggest we now adjourn
and then we accept your hospitality with great pleasure and then we will meet
again at USMLM House.
KONIEV: I propose the other two tables behind us -- the technical and adminis-
trative staffs -- vacate the room and get ready for lunch. I have one question
to discuss with you intimately right now.
3. At this point Koniev complained about the parade that was planned in
West Berlin and said he had unconfirmed information that the United States
intended to display rockets and missile equipment. General Clarke commented
on this by saying that it was a question to be taken up on a higher level, but
that he would inform his Government. After this private meeting luncheon was
served in the Club and then the delegates proceeded to the USMLM, House where
General Clarke attempted to get an agreement from the Soviets that the missions
would return to normal and be handled in such a way as to prevent further
incidents. Earlier in the day General Clarke pointed out that he knew of
about 60 incidents involving the interference of the U. S. missions as
against 20 involving the Soviet missions. After the Soviets discussed
several unnecessary and irrelevant matters, the meeting was finally
adjourned. It was agreed that the liaison missions would resume normal
operations, and that the future operations of the missions will continue
on the basis of the Huebner-Malinin Agreement.
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REPORT OF MEETINGS BETWEEN THE COMMANDERS IN CHIEF,
UNITED STATES ARMY, EUROPE, AND GROUP OF SOVIET FORCES,
GERMANY, COMPILED FROM NOTES OF COLONEL ERNEST VON
PAWEL, COMMANDER FAHEY, LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOSEPH
S. KIMMITT AND MASTER SERGEANT JOE R. VALLES.
1. GENERAL:
a. The Commander in Chief, USAREUR, and party -- consisting
of four vehicles departed USCOB Residence in West Berlin at 051320
April 1962 arriving at Glienicke Bridge at 051350 April 1962. Upon ar-
rival at the Potsdam side of the Bridge, CINC's party stopped only long
enough to permit CINCUSAREUR and Lieutenant Colonel Charles G.
Fitzgerald to dismount and meet Generalmajor Lazutin, the Soviet officer
designated to escort CINCUSAREUR's party to the Soviet Officers' Club.
The Club is located at the northeast corner of Hegel Allee and Schopenhauer
Strasse.
b. Upon arrival at Soviet Officers' Club, CINC and party dis-
mounted Marshal Koniev, CINCGSFG received CINCUSAREUR and they
proceeded toward the Honor Guard. Upon reaching the flank of the Honor
Guard and receiving the report of the Honor Guard Commander, Captain
Slusarenko, the Soviet band played first the American National Anthem,
followed immediately by the Soviet National Anthem. The two CINCs
then proceeded to troop the front rank of the Honor Guard, followed by
their respective interpreters (Colonel Basistov (Soviet) and Lieutenant
Colonel Fitzgerald (US)).
c. This completed, the US and Soviet delegations assembled
inside the Officers' Club and CINCUSAREUR was provided a three-room
suite for a ten minute intermission to provide a place for disposition of
outer coats and hats and bathroom facilities.
2. FIRST SESSION: (Soviet Officers' Club)
a. Upon termination of the above "break", Colonel Basistov
escorted the US delegation to a large formal conference room where
CINCGSFG delegation was awaiting the US delegation.
b. In the center of the conference hall was a long conference table
which provided for each CINC and delegation. Behind this table were two
smaller conference tables for the five US and Soviet technical assistants.
Everyone assumed their seats immediately with the two CINCs sitting
opposite each other and their subordinate counterparts seated in normal
order of precedence to the right and left. The two senior interpreters
were immediately to each CINC's left.
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c. The US delegation consisted of:
General Bruce C. Clarke, CINCUSAREUR, Major General
Edgar C. Doleman, DCSOPS, USAREUR, Colonel Ernest Von Pawel,
Chief, US Military Liaison Mission and two interpreters, Lieutenant
Colonel Charles G. Fitzgerald and Commander John Fahey.
d. The Soviet delegation consisted of:
Marshal of the Soviet Union Ivan S. Koniev, Generalmajor
Kozlov, Chief, Operations Directorate, Colonel Ivan Banov, Chief,
Soviet Military Liaison Mission, Frankfurt, and two interpreters,
Colonel Basistov and Major Zhulev.
e. The US technical and administrative assistants consisted of
Mr. Francis Meehan, Department of State, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph
S. Kimmitt, Deputy SGS, USAREUR, Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Richstein,
International Affairs Branch, Office of the Judge Advocate, USAREUR
and Master Sergeant Joe R. Valles, Administrative Assistant to CINCUS-
AREUR and Specialist Four William Shrier, Office, SGS USAREUR.
f. The Soviet administrative and technical personnel consisted
of the following identified personnel: Colonel Popov, Senior Lieutenant
Gordeyev, Senior Lieutenant Kaynov and two unidentified field grade
officers. All of these individuals displayed familiarity with the English
language. Gordeyev is the Aide and English Interpreter for Colonel
Solovyev, Soviet Commandant, East Berlin.
3. CONFERENCE DISCUSSION:
The following remarks were offered by the respective CinC's.
A verbatim account was not obtained due to the lack of capabilities to
accomplish. The remarks as reported are taken from the notes taken
by Colonel Von Pawel and Commander Fahey.
KONIEV: I am happy to greet you and to welcome you here, especially
to meet a fellow veteran of World War II when we were joint comrades
fighting against the Fascist Germans. I show you a desire to meet and
discuss questions which require discussion and agreement. The first
of these is the reestablishment of normal relations and the relations be-
tween the two of us. The second is to discuss normalizing relations be-
tween the Berlin Commandants. If you agree, we can get to work. I am
ready to hear your point of view.
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CLARKE: I am prepared to discuss military liaison mission relations,
not other subjects which must be discussed on another level. I am pre-
pared to discuss the problems of the MLMs. I suggest you come to the
USMLM house where I can receive you and we can commence discussions.
KONIEV: Why not here? It would be possible to start here and continue
later there. I ask that here we have an exchange of opinions; I would also.
like, to invite you to dinner, and then go to the USMLM house.
CLARKE: I expected to complete discussions this afternoon. I thought it
would not take long. My papers are in my car. I suggest we adjourn and
go to the USMLM House and meet in twenty minutes.
(At this point, Major General Doleman, speaking to General Clarke,
referred to the remarks of the Chief of Staff, GSFG (General Ariko) to
Chief, USMLM (Colonel Von Pawel) earlier that the meeting at the Club
would be more of a social occasion.)
CLARKE: I came to greet you and to pay my respects to you since this
is the first time I have had the honor to meet you. Then after completing
this as soldiers, we can sit down and go to work.
KONIEV: I propose opening conversations here with lunch afterwards.
CLARKE: I have already eaten lunch. I was not told of your plans for
a luncheon.
CHIEF, USMLM: Passed notes to CINC recommending CINCUSAREUR
accept CINCGSFG 's initial proposal.
KONIEV: If I can't extend.... if my hospitality is not accepted, I cannot
show you Soviet traditional hospitality. We have good preparations. I
think we can get to the subject of relations of MLMs quickly. If you have
in mind the incident, I consider it not characteristic of relationships. be-
tween the CINCs or between the missions. The incident was an accident
and has no bearing on relationships and should not be permitted to inter-
fere with continued good relations. You took the initiative to limit the
SMLMF and you placed the guard around it. I answered this. It seems
to me we should- mutually remove the guards.
CLARKE: I hope we can come to full agreement that will accomplish this
end. I must have assurances that such incidents as occurred will not occur
again. We have had about sixty incidents involving USMLM as against
twenty involving SMLMF; five or six of these incidents involving USMLM
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involved being shot at and I know of no instance where SMLMF has been
shot at. (NOTE: General Clarke indicated that these figures were
covering a 2 1/2 year period of time.) So I suggest that now we go ahead
with lunch and then go to the USMLM House where my papers are located
and so I can be sure of my facts, and not speak from memory.
KONIEV: The incidents that you have described are completely unknown
to me, except for the last incident.
CLARKE: I can document all my statements..... .
KONIEV: We should not discuss each in detail. It seems our task is to
reach an acceptable solution to preclude incidents in the future and to
resume normal relations.
CLARKE: I must have assurances that there will be no more such in-
cidents and once I have had these assurances, we shall then have a
solution very quickly.
KONIEV: I expressed my regrets in my letter of 27 March to you. This
determines our relation in this instance. In itself, the expression of
regret contains the assurance'that such incidents will not occur in the
future. My regret is sufficient to cover our attitude.
CLARKE: I am happy to receive your regrets. However, I need assurances
that Marshal Koniev will assure that such incidents will not. occur again.
An oral statement to this effect is acceptable. I can assure Marshal Koniev
that such incidents will not occur to SMLMF. I now give those assurances.
If Marshal Koniev gives me the same, I am happy and I think our mission
in meeting here is accomplished. That is the primary reason for being
here.
KONIEV: I agreed we should meet to discuss this, but - - in addition --
a letter does not express everything. .... . I, for example, consider my
regret did express my desires in this regard, and that this in itself was
a clear and definite expression.
CLARKE: I agree with what you say about letters. But I considered it
important to have this meeting and receive from you personally your
assurances that you will take steps to prevent future incidents.
KONIEV: I must say that the operations of SMLMF -- as well as USMLM,
that it is necessary to have regard for the laws of the country in which
they are located. In the case of USMLM, the GDR. Therefore, I consider
it that if USMLM shall observe laws, this will assist in the prevention of
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incidents. I have a whole list of violations of USMLM (showing) but I
do not desire to discuss these in detail. I agree with you that it is not
a. question of violations, but we must do away with abnormal conditions.
I see no reason for not normalizing relations and 'I am prepared to im-
mediately withdraw my guards from USMLM if you agree and will give
such orders as concerns the Soviet mission. Then, we can say we have
returned to normal.
CLARKE: I still feel it necessary to get my papers. I suggest we now
adjourn and then we accept your hospitality with great pleasure and then
we will meet again at USMLM House.
KONIEV: I propose the other two.tables behind us -- the technical and
administrative staffs -- vacate the room and get ready for lunch. I
have one question to discuss with you intimately right now.
(Technical and Administrative assistants left the conference room.
It now appeared CINCUSAREUR would accomplish the US goal of having
the business session at USMLM House.)
KONIEV: I have a question. According to the US press and other western
press, just as in the last year, it is planned to have a parade in West
Berlin next month. We have information -- unconfirmed -- to this effect
that the US Command intends to display rockets and missile equipment
and that the equipment is to come to Berlin by rail and highway. We
cannot confirm this. If the Command does have these intentions and
plans for executing these intentions, it is not in keeping with our common
desire to not introduce complications. We have made assurances mutually
.... Mr. Gromyko, Mr. Rusk at Geneva.... of this and I propose that
such action is an infraction of the existing orders. The use of the access
routes across the territory of the GDR to Berlin means poor relations.
Therefore, I would like to discuss this to avoid these complications.
CLARKE: In May of each year, we have what we call Armed Forces Day.
On this day we display weapons, speeches are made, and we have an open
house for the civilian populace. This is done around the world. This year,.
I believe it will be the 19th of May. Directives for this are issued from
Washington. We have little to do with it. or decisions to make locally. So
I feel that it is a question to be taken up on a higher level than the CINCs.
I shall inform my government.
KONIEV: I do request it. We in the USSR and the US are interested in
no complications while discussions continue. It is not necessary to create
additional. "heat. " I think it is sufficient to display normal equipment and
.techniques without introducing missilery to Berlin. It is a part of an un-
pleasant thing to transport these missiles, etc. via all means through the-
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GDR to Berlin and you know military aircraft through the air corridors
are forbidden. In accordance with USSR-GDR agreements and our Warsaw
Pact, we cannot permit violation of air corridors. This is why I bring this
up now, since you are the CINC and all armed forces are under your com-
mand. You have authority to stop and prevent these complications.
CLARKE: I only command the Army. The Air Force is not under my
command. I must pass this to my commander since the Air Force is
under him.
CLARKE: I will pass on your feelings. I do not have authority to decide
here.
KONIEV: Expressed appreciation, saying it is clear to me and I request
you to take this action. That is why I brought it up and took the advantage
to discuss it here and sent the others out of the room so that there would
be no misunderstanding. If you have any questions to discuss intimately,
we can do so.
CLARKE: Declined and proposed that the meeting adjourn. Marshal.
Koniev agreed and the delegates proceeded downstairs to a large dining
room in which place settings were arranged for both delegations. The
meal was typically Soviet, including hot and cold dishes and ample re-
freshments. Toasts between CINCs were exchanged to and including
a toast in honor of the Huebner-Malinin Agreement. One of the final
toasts offered by Marshal Koniev was to Lieutenant Colonel Kimmitt
recognizing his birthday. Conversation at the dining room table was
light and bantering, producing nothing of significance except on one oc-
casion, Koniev asked General Clarke if General Watson was subordinate
to CINCUSAREUR. General Clarke replied affirmatively explaining that
he (General Watson) was subordinate to CINCUSAREUR in military matters
only, but under Ambassador Dowling, Bonn, in matters pertaining to the
political field.
4. SECOND SESSION. (At USMLM House, Potsdam)
General: a. CINCUSAREUR and US delegation departed the
Soviet Officers' Club at 051612 April 1962 and arrived at USMLM House
in Potsdam at 051620 April 1962 and awaited the arrival of the Soviet
delegation. CINCGSFG and ten delegates (same as those who met for
first session) arrived at the USMLM Potsdam House at 051648 April 1962.
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The meeting was convened at 051650 April 1962. Seating arrangements
and number of delegates on each side were identical to that as arranged
by the Soviets for the first session. In addition, Marshal Koniev and
his delegation were provided a three-room suite and bathroom on the
second floor of the Mission House. CINCUSAREUR utilized the down-
stairs area for conferring with his delegation during the intermission.
b. The second session was recessed 051830 - 051904 April and
was finally concluded at 051910 April 1962.
c. CINCGSFG and party departed USMLM house 051940 April
and CINCUSAREUR departed the mission house 051948, arriving at
Gleinicke Bridge at 051955 April 1962.
d. At the Bridge, CINCUSAREUR dismounted and bade farewell
to General Lazutin, Colonel Shegonin (Commandant of Potsdam) and
Senior Lieutenant Zhelanov (of SERB). (This was the same Soviet group
who met CINCUSAREUR and party when they crossed the Bridge into
Potsdam.)
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e. CINCUSAREUR arrived at Office, USCOB, 052020 April 1962.
f. All times cited herein are Alpha (Local time).
MEETING AT USMLM HOUSE: a. As in reporting conversation of
the first session, the following is as nearly verbatim as was within the
capabilities of Chief, USMLM, and Commander Fahey. Certain gaps or
discrepancies may be noted which are clarified from the transcribed notes
of Master Sergeant Valles, Administrative Assistant to CINCUSAREUR.
The conversation then ensued as follows:
CLARKE: - Opening Remarks: I would first like to express my apprecia-
tion to Marshal Koniev for the hospitality that you extended to me and my
delegation. I am also happy that you arranged such fine weather. This is
a good omen. We are gathered here in order that I may have the assurance
that USMLM is able to perform its functions and will not have harassments,
undue precipitous actions taken against them. I will now make my opening
statement. (See Appendix 1);
KONIEV: Is that all? I carefully listened to your statement. Concern-
ing the question of relationship between our missions, I would like to leave
the British mission (BRIXMIS) out. The British Mission does not concern
us, but since it has been mentioned.. these are the facts...... the vehicle
proceeded close to the border at that moment when the police of the GDR
were on an alert, because they had received information of a possible at-
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tempt by citizen(s) of the GDR to cross the border. Suddenly, and under
these conditions and in darkness, an unidentified vehicle approached the
border, a signal to stop was disobeyed, and then did not react or obey.
This is what caused the unpleasant incident with the British. CINCBAOR
and I exchanged letters and now consider the matter closed.
Now, take your incident in the vicinity of Gotha. As a result of in-
vestigation, the question has become complicated. It appears to have
been that an officer of the USMLM in a mission vehicle did not obey the
demand of the VOPO of the GDR and did not await the arrival of a Soviet
officer. The mission officer who, in.spite of demands of the VOPO,
quickly drove away and almost struck the policeman. This probably caused
the VOPO to adopt the measure of force adopted. I would not like at present
to discuss a list of violations, although I have them (showing list). It is
not a matter of discussion of individual violations, but rather to prevent
future violations and to establish normal relations for your mission and
my mission; therefore, I permit myself to repeat from my letter to you
where I already expressed my regret for the incident, I repeat now and
publicly express my regret. This defines my personal feelings. Together
with this, I cannot help but speak that on the part of the US mission there
have been repeated instances of violations of law and order of the GDR.
This leads to undesirable consequences. I think you will agree to the
absolute necessity of condition of mission operation and it is mandatory
for the US Mission to respect the laws of the territory of the country in
which it is located. In USMLM's case, the GDR. I agree completely
with your opinion in your letter where you support my declaration that a
given incident should not affect our relations (make more difficult); there-
fore, it follows that future activities will be normal.
Therefore, I consider that from our side any facts that are said
here should not interfere with our normal atmosphere. You understand
the right of immunity applies to both missions. Therefore, it is clear
..... that the Huebner-Malinin Agreement remains completely and totally
in force. Therefore, ' it would only complicate the situation more by in-
jecting new elements. I support you completely that your mission should
inform SERB immediately of any incidents. Correction action will be taken.
In the given case, our Commandant was in Erfurt, which is a considerable
distance and time was required to call the Commandant. Insofar as you
expressed displeasure with certain operations of SERB, I must inform you
that SERB learned only of the incident when the Commandant returned and
was able to advise SERB. Therefore, I, in such cases, assure you that my
headquarters will react as soon as possible in an appropriate manner. I
am in agreement with you that an individual policeman cannot interfere with
our rights, but he is not responsible to me or you, but rather to the country
and law on the territory of the country, in.this case the GDR. Therefore,
I propose that mutual understanding of our missions is identical, should be
normal and will be complete execution of our agreement.
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CLARKE: I would suggest that in case of violations of a minor nature
by USMLM that a record be made and that you inform me of them through
proper channels for appropriate action. I assure you I will take action.
This method, instead of prolonged detentions, harassments which con-
stitute punishment by local police officers.
KONIEV: (interrupting) That is correct, I agree. (Since General Clarke
was also talking, Koniev's statement here may not have been translated
to CINC).
CLARKE: If you agree, I will recognize your statement that we will
return to normal operation.
CLARKE: If you agree, we understand each other and I will say our meeting
has been successful and its purpose achieved.
CLARKE: I think you realize that our free press in West Berlin will gather
around me and demand a statement when I return. I hope that I can give'
them this joint communique (showing copy) and that it will satisfy them.
(General Clarke then offered a prepared joint communique which had been
previously prepared in both languages. )(Koniev and Basistov studied the
communique.)
KONIEV: We (Soviets) do not always follow the wishes of the press. The
press acts sensationally and causes deterioration of relations.
CLARKE: I agree in some cases and the purpose is to prevent that.
KONIEV: I consider no need to revise, change, or add to the release.
All is well said. I propose the situation which exists, we should hold to
it (referring to the situation outlined in press release. )
CLARKE: This will prevent the press from speculation which is the
worst thing they can do.
KONIEV: If it is necessary to issue a communique that we met, discussed,
exchanged opinions, and arrived at appropriate agreements in accord with
existing agreements -- strictly speaking these are extracts of already ex-
isting agreements. Therefore, is a joint communique necessary?
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CLARKE: I must issue a statement. It will be necessary when I
return to Berlin.
KONIEV: Have you a copy of the Huebner-Malinin Agreement? (He re-
quested this from his own staff and the US delegation.) The original
signed document was given to him by General Clarke. (Koniev perused
and observed: "It is a well written document. "
CLARKE: After fifteen years, it is still well written.
KONIEV: I agree, we observe it. It would be excellent if it is announced
that in the future, we will continue to observe the Huebner-Malinin
Agreement. I propose our senior interpreters work out a draft ...... is
a communique necessary"
CLARKE: It is very necessary that I give the press something. #t must be
carefully stated or they will either speculate or I will be misquoted. Our
press is entirely free to say what they want. So. I suggest you and I retire
in another room while the staff prepares a satisfactory release.
KONIEV: (Paraphrased) In the question of the press.... we are good
government representatives. All commentary in the press is nonsense.
Especially in West Berlin, there are difficult types. They make an ele-
phant out of a mosquito.
CLAIRE: I admit this to some degree. It is desirable to prevent this.
Therefore, we should give them our words, so they don't think up words.
KONIEV: I think we can worry only about good relations.... between us,
our governments and our people.
CLARKE: I agree, but releases prevent the press from sensational
stories which could injure relations.
KONIEV: I agree that the press often is not pleasant and causes false
impressions between our peoples. Already there is much now written
in the press in the West announcing threats, and provocations. We react
calmly. I can again repeat that besides the desires of our headquarters
for good relations with the headquarters of US Forces in Eirope and also
that mission which is accredited to me to maintain good relations and
business-like contact. We have no other intentions or desires, other
than the foregoing.
CLARKE: I am glad with this statement and attitude. The only thing to
do now is to accept that the missions are handled on a basis to prevent
incidents and agree to a statement to the press which I must make because
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KONIEV: Unfortunately, I cannot recommend what announcement to
make, but in any case this communique is a substitute. for the Huebner-
Malinin agreement. I consider essential the following: "We met - we
reached agreement to resume normal operations effective at 0001, 6
April, in accordance with the Huebner-Malinin Agreement." Further,
that our missions would resume normal relations effective at once in
accordance with the Huebner-Malinin Agreement of 1947:
GENERAL DOLEMAN: Does this mean they will not shoot? (Comment
translated by Basistov to Marshal Koniev, but disregarded when General
Doleman followed by saying he "was not representing our side. ")
KONIEV: About shooting, we have said everything, expressed regret,
And consider the matter closed. In my written letter and here orally,
I have expressed regrets on this. As a result, no further explanation is
required.
CLARKE: My staff raises the point, which I do not wish to unnecessarily
dwell upon: that East Germans will not interfere with my mission in
carrying out their normal duties.
KONIEV: I think that Germans follow the laws of their country, and in-
terfere only when violations occur. I consider that the GDR is a civilized
state, like any, same norms as any, and laws that are applicable as in
the United States. There are, in the GDR, many diplomatic missions here
besides the (USMLM) Mission, and also from many capitalist countries. All
operate under international law and accepted international norms, and US
MLM as a given case having diplomatic immunity and if they observe laws,
no difficulties or dangers can arise against their activities. If the General
desires this at once - normal operations - this would be best, the con-
tinuing of the Huebner-Malinin Agreement. You understand that this situation
is initiated by the fact that the German question is unsettled. This agree-
ment reflects the situation which resulted at the end of the war. At the
present time discussions are taking place between our governments to
resolve all post-war problems including this question. for peacetime
conditions. My hope is that the discussions between our governments
will be crowned by success and all present agreements fall in the background,
but now we hold to this document. We hope that the discussions will end
the remnants of World War II which cannot exist forever.
CLARKE: I recognize the point you make. However, not having diplomatic
contact with the people in the Zone of Soviet Responsibility in Germany, we
must look to you to assure that the terms of the Huebner-Malinin Agree-
ment are carried out. Specifically, I must have assurances that VOPOS
will abandon their habit of detention and assessing penalties on the spot.
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If they don't stop that, we can only have future situations and meetings.
I don't think that we can let a third party spoil what we do today. I can
exercise that amount of influence in the American Area of Responsibility
in Germany, and I fully believe that you have the power to exercise that
amount of influence in your area of responsibility. I can give you those
assurances in my area. If you can give me those in your area, we are
in full agreement.
KONIEV: We differ in view of Zones. We do not have a Soviet occupational
zone. The government is a state named the GDR which has its own law,
internal affairs and external affairs and is responsible only to its own
people. Soviet Forces here are not occupational troops. They are here
in accordance with the Warsaw Pact between the USSR and the GDR. We
cannot interfere in internal affairs or responsibility. Therefore, you
present something of the action of a single policeman. Policeman act
on laws. If laws are obeyed, they will not use such action. Second point,
in regard to the Mission accredited to me, I have expressed regret for
the incident and assure you of continued observance of the Huebner-
Malinin Agreement. Third point, all incidents between Mission members
and police will be rapidly investigated and appropriate action will be taken
by our authorities. We never refuse, when requested, to have a Soviet
officer at the scene. I consider this a full guarantee to continue normal
operations. Accordingly, I propose if you think it necessary to release
a communique that the Mission continues in the future on the basis of the
Huebner-Malinin Agreement of 1947.
CLARKE: In my area, I am also in a country which has its own govern-
ment and law. However. that government does recognize the relationship
of your Mission to me, under the Huebner-Malinin Agreement. Can you
assure the government in your area will recognize the agreement and
operate under the provisions? I can assure you this will be done in my
area. That is all we need.
KONIEV: I consider that you discriminate against the GDR and this is
not correct.
CLARKE: I think the record justifies that doubt. I don't raise the question
of sovereignty, as that is a political matter, but I do recognize that the
Huebner-Malinin Agreement is recognized by the government in my area
and we operate under that basis. If that were the case in your area, it
would not be a problem.
KONIEV: I think there are no problems. The best solution is recognize
the GDR and establish normal relations as we did with the Federal Re-
public. In addition, we have an Ambassador there.
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CLARKE: The point which you raise is not a problem which I have the
ability to solve.
KONIEV: As soldiers, let us continue good relationships, resume normal
operations and continue existing agreements. This is the only necessary
condition to continue. All your worries are suppositions. There has been
but one incident. We have already reached agreement. Why extend this
to all remaining problems which will only worsen relationships? Let us
only look at events and facts. Let us not consider incidents and assaults
as though there were not others in 15 years. (Impression: Meaning, let
us wipe slate clean.) It is not necessary to blow up the problem and
complicate relationships. Let us stand above this. Let us have good
feelings. Colonel Von Pawel views this with favor because he (meaning
entire Mission personnel) can travel to West Berlin; therefore, let us
normalize, let us continue, let us not complicate the matter. Let us
normalize so that I can give the order to release the guards. This will
be the best possible solution common to all. All will welcome this. We
should look at this realistically like soldiers. Don't let the press and
feelings interfere. Accept this as it is. There are unsolved questions
that we cannot solve. You still use the term "Zone" and it will be neces-
sary for us to keep sitting here if we try to solve everything.
CLARKE: I suggest that we recess for fifteen minutes and then meet again.
(Time: 1830). (During the break, Koniev communicated through his staff
with someone, possibly the USSR Ambassador to GDR. Immediately after,
his staff received a telephone call, Koniev returned to the conference. )
Meeting reconvened at 1904.
CLARKE: Marshal Koniev, you have in front of you what I propose to say.
It is that in general we agree and understand. (General Clarke shows draft
communique.)
KONIEV: I would say it is better to have a mutual (joint) communique
and that we mutually accept the first part of your draft. Further that we
agree on the fact that missions resume immediate. normal operations, in
accordance with the Huebner-Malinin Agreement of 1947. (Koniev pre-
sented his own handwritten proposed communique)(General Clarke accepted it).
CLARKE: A joint statement? We will operate on that basis and I hope
and feel that you will do all you can to make it work successfully and I
assure you that I will do all I can. I suggest that we go now for refresh-
ments while Colonel Fitzgerald and Colonel Basistov jointly dictate the
final communique. (Following was dictated to Sergeant Valles and then
translated into Russian, read and agreed to by Marshal Koniev and General
Clarke, before American and Russian officers as witnesses at 1930 hours,
5 April 1962):
CONFIDENTIAL
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"Potsdam, 5 April 1962
JOINT COMMUNIQUE
Marshal Ivan Stepanovich Koniev, Commander in Chief
of the Group of Soviet Forces*in Germany, and General
Bruce C. Clarke, Commander in Chief, United States Army,
Europe, met today in Potsdam in order to discuss the question
of the operation of the Military Liaison Missions accredited to
the corresponding headquarters.
They agreed that their Liaison Missions would .resume
normal operations not later than 0001, 6 April 1962, and that
the future operations of the Missions will continue on the basis
of the Huebner-Malinin Agreement of 1947. "
Both Commanders in Chief issued instructions for the removal
of guards from the respective Military Liaison Missions. Within ten
minutes, in Potsdam, all Soviet personnel, the hastily erected barrier
across the access road were removed.
Lieutenant Colonel Kimmitt, USAREUR, informed Marshal Koniev
(through Colonel Basistov) and the Chief, Soviet Military Liaison Mission-
Frankfurt (Colonel Banov)(through Commander Fahey) that the US guards
around SMLMF would be removed within one half hour (Time: 1925).
Marshal Koniev and Soviet delegation departed as indicated in
paragraph 4. c., above.
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OPENING STATEMENT - GENERAL CLARKE
My purpose in requesting this meeting is to assure that the personnel
of my Liaison Mission accredited to you will be permitted to perform their
customary functions in the future without being subjected to irresponsible
actions which endanger their lives and equipment and to lengthy detentions
which subject them to undue harassment. In recent weeks, two actions have
occurred in the Soviet Area of Responsibility in Germany. One of these
resulted in the serious wounding of a member of the British Liaison Mission
for which I have no personal responsibility, but do have great concern. The
second involved an American Mission vehicle and personnel and, while it did
not result in personal injury, it involved serious damage to the U. S. vehicle
as a result of gunfire, thereby endangering the lives of my Mission personnel.
These two incidents are indicative of a condition and a trend which I cannot
tolerate. I cannot permit my officers and men to operate under conditions
wherein their lives are endangered by such irresponsible actions. Whatever
the circumstances of the incident involving U. S. personnel, nothing more
serious than a traffic violation has been alleged. I know of no cultured
country in which gunfire is considered appropriate under such circumstances.
I have no desire to become involved in a series of incidents and counter-
incidents, contrived or otherwise. I reiterate that my purpose here is to
obtain assurances that incidents of a similar nature will not occur in the
future and to normalize our relationships as soon as possible. I am pre-
pared to give such assurances concerning your Mission personnel. ' I pro-.
pose, therefore, that we exchange such assurances and that a press release
to the effect that we have met and exchanged such assurances be made. If
this is agreeable, I feel that we can terminate this meeting promptly.
I believe it necessary that we agree in principle upon a set of rules
governing action that should be taken if personnel of either mission is in-
volved in accidents, incidents, traffic violations, or other infringements of
local law.
I have a few ideas which I believe could serve as a basis for develop-
ing such a set of rules. These are as follows:
Local law enforcement agencies should have no jurisdiction within
their respective areas over our mission personnel unless it be in the case
of a serious felony or a practice which seriously endangers public safety.
Instead, violations should be referred immediately to the representative
of the headquarters to which the mission is accredited and if, in the opinion
of that headquarters, the infraction is of a degree requiring disciplinary
action, the report of the incident together with recommendations should be
referred to the mission's parent command for action deemed appropriate.
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APPENDIX 1 (Continued)
You may say that such a practice would be an infringement of the
sovereignty which you claim for the Soviet Area of Responsibility in
Germany. I would reply that no nation has absolute sovereignty but
that its sovereignty is always diminished in some degree by treaties,
agreements, and international law. Furthermore, the question of what
degree of sovereignty the Soviet Area of Responsibility in Germany does
or does not enjoy is not a matter for us to determine as military men.
I would point out the above suggestion as to procedures is in
consonance with the treatment which has been accorded your mission
personnel, and that this is due to the punctiliousness and correctness
of the Federal Republic of Germany in recognizing its prior treaty
responsibilities. I find it difficult to believe that the Group of Soviet
Forces in Germany cannot exercise comparable influence and reach
similar agreement with local law enforcement agencies in the Soviet
Area of Responsibility in Germany.
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AGREEMENT
.ON MILITARY LIAISON MISSIONS ACCREDITED TO THE SOVIET AND
U11TITED STATES COMMANDERS IN CHIEF OF THE ZONES
OF OCCUPAT ION . IN GERMANY
In conformity. with the provisions of Article 2 of the
Agreement on "Control Mechanism in Germany" dated November 149
19449 the United States and the Soviet Commanders in Chief of
the zones of Occupation in Germany have agreed to exchange
Military Liaison Missions accredited to their staffs, in the
zones and approve the following regulations concerning these
missions:
la These missions are military missions and have no
authority over quadripartite military government missions or
purely military government missions of each respective country,
either temporarily or permanently, on duty in either zone,
However, they will render whatever aid or assistance to said
military government missions as is practicable,
2. Missions will be composed of air., navy and army
representatives. There will be no political representative,
3. The missions will consist of not to exceed fourteen
(14) officers and enlisted personnel? This number will include
all necessary technical personnel, office clerks., personnel
with special qualifications, and personnel required to operate
radio stations,
4, Each mission will be under the orders of the senior
member of the mission who will be appointed and known as "Chief
of the United States (or Soviet) Military fission",
50 The Chief of the mission will be accredited to the
Commander in Chief of the occupation forces.
In the United States zone the mission will be accred-
ited to Commander in Chief, United States European Command,
In the Soviet zone the mission will be accredited to
the Commander in Chief of the Group of Soviet Occupational
Forces in Germany.
6, In the United States zone the Soviet Mission will be
offered quarters in the region of Frankfurt,
7., In the Soviet gone the United States Mission will be
offered quarters at or near Potsdam,
8, In the United States zone the Chief of the Soviet Mis-
sion will communicate with A/C of Staff., G-3, United States
European Commando
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(Agreement Continued)
9. In the Soviet zone the Chief of the United States Mis-
sion will communicate with the Senior Officer of the Staff of
Conm ander-i.n-Chief
10. Each member of the missions will be given identical
travel facilities to include identical permanent passes in
'Russian and English languages permitting complete freedom of
travel. ::herever and whenever it will be desired over territory
and roads in both zones, except places of disposition of milit-
ary units, without escort or supervision.
Each time any member of Soviet or United States mission
wants to visit United States or Soviet headquarters, military
government offices, forces, units, military schools, factories
and enterprises which are under United States or Soviet control,
a corresponding request must. be made to Director, Operations.,
Plans, Organization and Training, European Command, or Senior
Officer, Headquarters, Group of So iet Occupational Forces in
Germany. such requests must be acted upon within 24 - 72 hours.
Members of the missions are permitted allied guests at
the headquarters of.the respective missions,
11. a, Each mission will have its.own radio station for
communication with its, own headquarters,
b. In each case couriers and messengers will be given
;facilities for free travel between the headquarters of the
mission and headquarters of their respective Commanders-in-Chief.
These couriers will enjoy the same immunity which is extended to
diplomatic couriers.
c. Each mission will be given facilities for telephone
communication through the local. telephone exchange at the head-
quarters, and they also will be given facilities such as mail,
telephone, telegraph through the existing means of communication
when the members of the mission will be traveling within the
zone. In case of a breakdown in the radio installation, the
zone commanders will render all possible aid and will permit
temporary use of their own systems of communication.
12. The necessary rations, P.O.L. supplies and household
services for the military missions will be provided for by the
headquarters to which accredited, by method of mutual compensa-
tion in kind, supplemented by such items as desired to be
furnished by their own headquarters.
In addition the respective missions or individual mem-
bers of the missions may purchase items of Soviet or United
States origin which must be paid for in, currency specified by
tine=headquarters controlling zone where purchase is made.
2
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(Agre:, Brit Gong: z>uued)
l3. The bu .:Ld: i s of each mission will enjoy full right of
extra.-tcrritoria.
14, a, Th of the mission will be to maintain .3.iaison
between both Coo ,- in and their staffs,
b, In oach _: c xe :, ie mission will have the right to
engage in matters of pc-a?;~r,w ng the interests, of their nationals
and to make representations accordingly, as well as in matters of
protecting their property interests: in the zone where they are
located. They have a fight to render aid t o people of their own
country who. are Visiting the zone where they are accredited.
15, This a reement may be changed or axaplified by mutual
consent to cover new subjects when the need arises,
16. This agreement is writ ten in russian and english
languages and both texts are authentic,
17. This agreement becomes valid when signed by Deputy
Commanders of United States and Soviet Zones of Occupation,
Lieutenant=General H::UEB ER
Deputy Commander in Chief 9
European Command,
eneral 1?lLININ
`. UL, ' do m
ander in Chief
.
:
Chief of Staff of the Group
of. Soviet occupation Forces
in Germany
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16ThR9
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N.DER WILL CHECK CL SIFICATION TOP AND BOTTOM
.m
- UNCLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL SECRET
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
OFFICIAL ROUTING SLIP
TO
NAME AND ADDRESS
E
1 T
DDCI
2
Executive Director
3
ZV* All?.
4
5
6
ACTION
DIRECT REPLY
PREPARE REPLY
APPROVAL
DISPATCH
RECOMMENDATION
COMMENT
FILE
RETURN
CONCURRENCE
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INFORMATION
SIGNATURE
Remarks :
Please note that copies of basic and enclosure
sent to DD/P and DD/I.
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STAT
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ov nEMF
130
FORM NO. 237 Use previous editions
2-61 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1961 0-587282
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