740.00119 control (Germany)/10–1045: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 10—10:45 p.m.]
747. Following is summary of observations made by group of five members of the Industries Division, US Group CC,78 while on a tour of industrial plants in the vicinity of Leipzig in Soviet zone of occupation during late September. Specific plants visited were the I. G. Farben plant at Bitterfeld and the Synthetic Gasoline plant at Leuna. The tour was prearranged with the Russian authorities and at no time were the observers in a position to travel without being escorted by Russian personnel.
Observations: 1. Very few Russian troops were seen on the way and the number in the cities likewise appeared very small. 2. Practically no livestock was seen in the fields with the exception of a few horses. 3. No double track railroads were evident, the second tracks having been removed. 4. Numerous workers in the fields, consisting mostly of old men and women. 5. No signs of ill treatment of Germans by Russians though it was evident that the Germans feared the occupation troops. 6. No evidence of current looting by the Russians. In fact, observers were given impression that Russians paid standard prices for German merchandise and services. 7. In the plants visited, Russians seemed to hold great respect for German technicians and were doing everything possible to get into good graces of Germans. 8. Observers believed that Russian troops were living entirely off the land. 9. Many families of the occupying troops were present. 10.1. G. Farben plant at Bitterfeld for commercial chemicals had received very little damage. It was producing at about 10 per cent capacity for use in the Russian zone. 11. The Leuna Synthetic Gasoline plant was damaged considerably and was producing at about 15 percent of capacity for use by the Russian Army. 12. Russians stated that considerable difficulty was experienced because Americans had removed all plant operation and production records as well as experienced key personnel during initial stages of occupation. 13. Russians did not intend to dismantle these plants but indicated they were interested only in newer and better equipment.
- The highest level Military Government headquarters for U.S. forces in Germany; the U.S. “element” of the Allied Control Authority for Germany. This body had actually been succeeded on October 1, 1945, by the Office of Military Government of the United States for Germany (OMGUS).↩