862.01/379
Memorandum by Mr. Charles E. Bohlen, Assistant Chief of the Division of European Affairs85
The recommendations as to possible courses of action which we might adopt in connection with the establishment of the Free German Committee in Moscow outlined by Admiral Standley in the attached telegram86 in effect contain their own answer when he says that in the absence of any basic agreement on the policy of the Soviet Government it would be dangerous politically at the present time to encourage similar movements among German prisoners in the United States and Great Britain. I believe this applies to all of the recommendations.
In the absence of an agreement on general policy towards Germany with the Soviet Government it would be highly undesirable for us to take any official notice either for or against the Committee in Moscow. If and when a three power meeting on the foreign minister level occurs an opportunity will be presented to endeavor to work ou. some common understanding in regard to Germany which would permit consideration of the points raised in Admiral Standley’s telegram. Until we find out whether or not we can reach such an understanding we should not, in my opinion, take any official action in regard to the establishment of the Free German Committee in Moscow.
As you are aware the significance and possible effect of this Committee has received extensive study not only in the Department but in other branches of the Government as well.
- Addressed to H. Freeman Matthews, Chief of the Division of European Affairs, and to James C. Dunn, Adviser on Political Relations. On September 13 Mr. Dunn made the following notation in the margin: “I agree with this memo. Please hold for the delegation to the Tripartite Conf.”↩
- Telegram No. 1240, September 1, noon, p. 571.↩