740.00119 Control (Germany)/10–2044
The President to the Secretary of State
Memorandum for the Secretary of State
In regard to your memorandum of September twenty-ninthy I think it is all very well for us to make all kinds of preparations for the treatment of Germany but there are some matters in regard to such treatment that lead me to believe that speed on these matters is not an essential at the present moment. It may be in a week, or it may be in a month, or it may be several months hence. I dislike making detailed plans for a country which we do not yet occupy.
Your memorandum paragraph No. 1
I agree except for going into too much detail and directives at the present moment, and we must emphasize the fact that the European Advisory Commission is “Advisory” and that you and I are not bound by this advice. This is something which is sometimes overlooked and if we do not remember that word “advisory” they may go ahead and execute some of the advice, which, when the time comes, we may not like at all.
[Page 159]Your memorandum paragraph No. 2
In view of the fact that we have not occupied Germany, I cannot agree at this moment as to what kind of a Germany we want in every detail.
In regard to the problems involved, there are some which are perfectly clear and which can be approved now.
Sub-paragraph (a) on the Demilitarization of Germany is, of course, correct but should include everything to do with aircraft. This should be made specific. It must apply not merely to the assembly of aircraft but to everything that goes into an aircraft. We must remember that somebody may claim that the aircraft is for non-military purposes, such as a transport plane. Germany must be prevented from making any aircraft of any type in the future.
I am in hearty agreement with Sub-paragraph (b) Dissolution of the Nazi Party and all affiliated organizations.
In the same way, I agree with Sub-Paragraph (c) Extensive controls should be maintained over communications, press and propaganda.
Sub-paragraph (d) Extensive controls over German educational system. I should like to talk with your experts in regard to just what this means.
I agree with Sub-paragraph (e) No decision should be taken on the possible partition of Germany.
Sub-paragraph (f) Economic Objectives. I should like to discuss this with the State Department in regard to some of the language. I agree with it in principle, but I do not know what part of it means. Much of this sub-head is dependent on what we and the Allies find when we get into Germany—and we are not there yet.