284 Foreign Relations, 1958-1960, Volume IX



German authorities (along the lines of London Working Group Solution
C of April 1959).4 If the Foreign Ministers agree, the Working Group
could in its next phase undertake to further refine a proposal along these
lines.
    5. If the Soviets refuse further discussions, the Western Powers
will have to consider how, while still at the Summit, they might best
bring to the attention of the Soviets the serious results which unilateral
action on their part might have. The Western Powers might likewise
consider at this point the desirability of a Berlin plebiscite in the Western
sectors of the city in order to provide a starting point for ensuing devel-
opments.
    6. Some believe that a tactical question which might arise is
whether, and if so at what point, the West should express willingness to
discuss the principles of a peace treaty with Germany either in a deputy
or expert group if it appears at some point during the Summit Confer-
ence that a Western offer to discuss peace treaty principles might tip the
balance in favor of preventing Soviet unilateral action directed at the
Western position in Berlin. There are some important objections to such
action by the Western Powers, as indicated in the discussion of advan-
tages and disadvantages in Annex II.


    4See footnote 8, Document 72.






116. Editorial Note


    In accordance with the schedule worked out in consultations
among the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, the Foreign
Ministers of those three countries, their counterparts from the Federal
Republic of Germany, Italy, and Canada, and the Secretary General of
NATO met in Washington, April 11-14. On the first day, Secretary of
State Herter met with Secretary General Spaak. See Document 117.
    On April 12, Herter met with Foreign Secretary Lloyd at 11 a.m.
while at about the same time Spaak was discussing the NATO scientific
program with Presidential Adviser Kistiakowsky. At 2:15, Herter talked
with Foreign Minister Brentano and, at 3:10, with Lloyd and Foreign
Minister Couve de Murville. While this latter meeting was proceeding,
Brentano discussed various economic matters with Under Secretary
Dillon. At 5:45, Herter was briefed by Couve de Murville on Khru-