Status of Berlin, May-December 1960 597



well as to maintain morale West Berliners and West Germans, I suggest
following factors should be kept in mind.
    It appears probable that if Khrushchev still desires serious negotia-
tions with West, he has decided that a crisis offers best approach and his
probable choice is Berlin question. Although recent actions East Ger-
mans may be preliminary build-up of such crisis, seems almost certain
Khrushchev does not intend bring crisis to head until next year. Suggest
we should be careful that our present actions not contribute to establish-
ment of vicious circle which would automatically lead to crisis at early
date. If crisis is to come, as I believe it must, should think we would be
better off if Berlin is enjoying something like its present prosperity that
time rather than suffering from softening effects on morale of economic
measures by East Germans. High level approach by us to Soviets at this
time as suggested by Berlin seems to me dubious since Soviets will be
thinking of attitude of next administration. In any event Soviet must be-
lieve there is real possibility that US would fight for its rights in Berlin
and problem rather is to convince them that we would not have to do so
alone. Believe would therefore be most helpful if British in particular
could be persuaded make statement along lines suggested in Berlin tel
120.1 Suggest we should also consider extent in which attitude of West
Berlin and West German politicians is due to election considerations.
    In view economic vulnerability Berlin, suggest that rather than be-
coming involved in measures that might lead to economic blockade, we
should consider possibility of psychological warfare measures. For ex-
ample if we could convince East German regime that we were consider-
ing steps such as calling for a slow down of East German workers by
clandestine radio broadcasts or other means, believe both East Germans
and Soviets would be greatly concerned. This would of course be dan-
gerous operation if actually carried out as it might get out of hand.
    In my opinion discussion in West German press of possible neces-
sity of campaign of this sort or other similar measures might be more
effective in restraining East Germans than actual steps to restrict trade,
where they are apparently in position to out-trump US. Although trade
blockade is in any event possibility, would seem important that onus be
kept clearly on East Germans.
                                                       Thompson



See Document 209 and footnote 1 thereto.