863.51 Relief Credits/479: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 5—2 p.m.]
377. Department’s 130, August 4, 2 p.m.70 Heath71 today inquired of Wiehl of the Commercial Policy Division of the Foreign Office whether, in view of the agreements with Great Britain and France for the payment of their nationals holdings of Austrian bonds, it was not possible for the German Government to reply to the Embassy’s notes of April 6 and June 9 concerning the American holdings. [Page 494] Wiehl indicated that it was the intention of the German Government to take up the matter of the American holdings of Austrian issues after finishing negotiating with Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland in the matter. He said he thought that negotiations with Switzerland, which have already begun and those with the Netherlands would be completed by the end of August. He would not say definitely, however, that a reply would be given at that time but obviously sought to convey the impression that better terms for the United States would be [possible?] after completion of negotiations with the other countries mentioned.
The Embassy is making arrangements to see Brinkmann of the Economics Ministry from whom it is hoped more definite information may be obtained.
Please repeat appropriate portions to Treasury from Heath.