Office of the Historian

740.00119 Control (Germany)/3–948: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy)

secret
Washington, March 15, 1948—noon.

450. Personal for Murphy. Army is dispatching following message to General Clay (urtel 532, Mar 91):

“In accordance with recommendations agreed by delegations of [Page 148] London talks on German problems, you are requested to concert with UK and French Mil Governors re following:

1.
Arrangements with Benelux representatives in Germany as outlined London Tel 53, Mar 6, to USPolAd;2
2.
Negotiations to effect closer cooperation between French Zone and Bizonia (London tel 44, Mar 2, to USPolAd3);
3.
Continuation by working party of discussions on western German political structure (London tel 50, Mar 5, to USPolAd4);
4.
Convening of a working party of representatives of three Mil Governors in consultation with a delegation of Benelux Govts to study the question of safeguarding the rights of foreign owners of the coal and steel industries in the Ruhr. This study will be conducted in the context only of the future international control of the Ruhr and not with reference to the present practices of AMG (London tel 49, Mar 5, to USPolAd5).

Ambassador Douglas understands that French also ask resumption of examination of machine tool situation in western Germany initiated by French during last summer’s discussion of level of industry. No objection here.

Understand Murphy and Riddleberger fully acquainted with background London talks. For continuity State would appreciate their participation in further appropriate Berlin discussions. Request we be kept currently and fully informed developments in these discussions so as to facilitate States preparation and reconvening London talks in April.”

Dept attaches importance to last point and will appreciate your assistance in seeing that this objective is achieved.

Marshall
  1. Not printed; it reported that General Clay had been informed of the recommendations made by the recently concluded London Conference on Germany on matters to be taken up by the military governors in Berlin. Clay felt, however, that he should have instructions on these matters from the Department of the Army. (740.00119 Control (Germany)/3–948)↩
  2. Same as telegram 906, Delsec 1620, March 6, from London, p. 140.↩
  3. Same as telegram 831, Delsec 1601, March 2, from London, not printed.↩
  4. Same as telegram 894, Delsec 1616, March 5, from London, p. 131.↩
  5. Same as telegram 880, Delsec 1610, March 5, from London, p. 130.↩