the counterblockade by the Allied powers

Chapter Three Transition Into A Tactical Force: 1950-1952

Although the most widely-publicized countermeasure to the Soviet blockade had been the famous Berlin airlift - a heroic effort to resupply the American soldiers and Berlin citizens by air - the counterblockade by the Allied powers on the shipping of goods from western Germany into the Soviet Zone had also been important in convincing the Soviets to lift the blockade.

In March 1950 Mr. John J. McCloy, the HICOG, discussed with General Thomas T. Handy, the EUCOM commander, the possibility of reinitiating restrictions on east-west commerce in the event of further Soviet or Soviet-initiated measures against the western countries. EUCOM prepared a plan that could regulate, curtail, or terminate traffic crossing the US zonal boundaries adjacent to the Soviet Zone and Czechoslovakia.

Designated as Operation CONCOURSE, the plan called for the closing of all unofficial crossing points and the exercise of stringent controls at official crossing points.

After the assumption of direct supervision of German border officials, border police, and the Land border police services by US military personnel, all rail and vehicular cargoes would be inspected and require proper documentation. Personnel moving across the border would need proper documentation and to follow all crossing regulations stringently. The plan was phased to permit either a gradual slowdown of traffic or a complete cessation of all such traffic, as desired.

By the end of 1950, although the plan had not been approved by the British Government, it was on the shelf and ready for expedited approval and implementation if needed.