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

740.00119 E. W./11–2845: Telegram

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

Paris, November 28, 1945—4 p.m.
[Received November 28—3:25 p.m.]

6851. From Angell No. 91. Have received after 24-hour delay Dept’s undated telegram No. 5494 not marked for Angell.⁷¹ Telegram arrived subsequent to initiation of conversations with Waley and Rueff on basis of quotas proposed in teletype conversations of November 23 and 24⁷² which were approved by Dept for such presentation in absence of other instructions. French share proposed in teletype, of 22% for capital equipment and 16% for other reparation items, was arrived at after rough allowance for probable French receipts of labor and for other relevant factors.

Resulting reduction in French share is believed reasonable in circumstances though it probably does not make full allowance for probable French use of labor. Believe that in absence of protest by smaller powers, US has no strong interest in insisting on full reparation accounting for labor. Moreover in absence of British support and lack of clear US position on length of service of PWs our power to take stronger position is questionable. Hence believe no further reduction in French share should be required. Waley concurs and would recommend acceptance of our present proposals to his Government. French likely to accept present proposals but would strongly resist further reduction and would seek to reopen whole basis of quota determination. Long delay would result. In understandings with the French I would make clear that US position would have to be reconsidered if question of labor is raised by smaller powers, but that I will not myself raise question in conference. With this reservation urgently request immediate authority, even if only preliminary, to agree to French shares as proposed in teletype without further reduction. Work of Conference at standstill till agreement among Big Three on our desired shares is reached.⁷³ [Angell.]

Caffery

71. This telegram was actually dated November 26, and designated No. 47 for Angell; for text, see p. 1415.
72. No records of conversations found in Department files.
73. The Department replied as follows in telegram 5571, November 28, midnight: “Agree to position outlined urtel 6851, November 28 (from Angell 91) so long as reservation with respect to position of small powers on labor services received by French is made explicit to French.” (740.00119 EW/11–2845)