Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, European Advisory Commission, Austria, Germany, Volume III

740.00119 EW/11–345

The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State

Paris, November 3, 1945—noon.
[Received November 5—12:40 p.m.]

6392. From Angell. No. 18. With further reference to your 5093, (for Angell, No. 4) November 1, 5 p.m.,⁹⁷ I assume that question as to adoption of narrowest possible point of view with respect to reparation removals implies considerable reduction in contemplated volume of removals. My views, which are shared by members of my staff, are as follows:

1. I seriously question whether use of reparations as a pressure weapon would secure the fuller political and economic cooperation of other occupying authorities. I am rather of opinion that such a revision in our basic policy would further complicate matters.

2. Inadequate implementation of objectives of reparation chapter of Potsdam Declaration would seriously prejudice our relations with Russia.

3. Such a revision of our established policy would also be contrary to the interests of devastated members of the United Nations who are looking to plant and equipment removals for badly needed rehabilitation and development. In this connection we think it important that the current concern over German economic situation should not overshadow the critical situation in liberated areas which is not, as with Germany, a recent development but rather one of several years’ standing.

4. Present serious economic situation in Germany would not be alleviated by failure to designate for removal plants unnecessary to maintenance of minimum peace time economy. It appears rather that improvement in German internal situation is largely dependent on such factors as administration, increased supply of coal, raw materials and transport. Admittedly, actual rate of physical removals would have to depend upon availability of transportation.

In view of close relation of this matter to my current negotiations, which are in an active state, I would appreciate the receipt of information that Dept intends to pursue full implementation reparation objectives and provisions Potsdam Declaration.⁹⁸ [Angell.]

Caffery

97. Not printed; the pertinent section of this telegram reads as follows: “For your information some question has been raised in Dept as to advisability of adoption of narrowest possible point of view reparation removals in order to obtain fuller cooperation other occupying authorities on application political principles Berlin Protocol and treatment of Germany as economic unit.” (740.00119 EW/11–145)
98. In telegram 5219, November 8, 7 p.m., to Paris, the Department replied as follows: “View that US should implement fully reparation provisions Berlin Protocol as expressed in your No. 18, Nov. 3, endorsed by Dept.” (740.00119–EW/11–245)