740.00115 EW/6–2945: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Ireland ( Gray )
113. Copy of instructions sent your Brit colleague June 11 available to Dept and studied in connection urtels 142, 149, 153 and 154.20
Dept has in mind two separate programs for deportation and repatriation German non-military personnel. First and most pressing [Page 797] has been that of repatriating public officials (Deptel 109 June 2921 and associated messages). Inclusion German agents in program was contemplated to extent that they might be considered officials.
Second program involves repatriation from neutral and cobelligerent countries of obnoxious Germans as part of Safehaven program (Depcirtel June 9).22 It is feeling Dept that there can be included in second program those Germans who should have been included in first but who may escape expulsion for reasons of personal influence or for other reasons.
Return of military internees is clearly duty of neutral on cessation hostilities and is not subject of special program.
SHAEF has agreed to receive public officials from neutral countries and undoubtedly will receive military internees. It has so far not agreed to receive obnoxious Germans as defined in Safehaven program, facilities for reception and processing being temporarily lacking.
In face of foregoing Dept unable authorize merging German repatriation programs for Ireland despite extraordinary situation described your 142. Brit desire to take initiative in negotiating in Ireland regarding these Germans. This appears to coincide with your recommendations.
Brit summary of Dept instructions to missions neutral countries (your 154) quite accurate. Dept desires you take any possible steps to support efforts your Brit colleague obtain removal from Eire of Germans whether military internees, public officials or obnoxious category. Emphasize to Irish Government that as Germany is totally defeated, duties of neutral host are terminated, that in view of widespread knowledge of German offenses against civilization and against hospitality of foreign govts (see Irish argument your 149 first paragraph) no concept of sanctuary for Germans can be expected in world opinion. In case Eire cannot or will not meet her duties to community of nations in respect of these outlaws, US Govt is prepared to discuss situation in Control Council Berlin and elsewhere with a view to action and furthermore to marshal full force of public opinion on this subject.
In light your intimate knowledge peculiar circumstances obtaining locally, Dept leaves to you time and manner presenting above thoughts to appropriate officials.