740.00119 E.A.C./10–344: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
Washington, October 3,
1944—midnight.
8098. Eacom 33. Reference is made to your telegram of September 29, Comea 102.
- 1.
- The Combined Chiefs of Staff have now under consideration the accurate delineation of the British and American areas of control which is essentially the same as that set forth in your telegram under reference. The text of the delineation will be immediately communicated to you as soon as a decision is reached.
- 2.
- The preamble of the protocol indicates that the division of Germany into zones is for the purpose of executing Article 11 of the instrument of surrender. Consideration should be given to the fact that there may be no formal German surrender. It is important that there be agreement on zones irrespective of a formal German surrender. The preamble should be changed, therefore, to provide that the protocol shall be effective either (a) upon the formal surrender of Germany or (b) upon the defeat of Germany, whether by formal surrender or otherwise, following the cessation of organized resistance. Paragraph 6 of the protocol should likewise be appropriately modified.
- 3.
- Reiterating the view stated in Eacom 24,89 it is our opinion that no provision should be made in this protocol for the division of Berlin into zones of occupation. The condition in which Berlin will be found at the time of Germany’s defeat cannot now be determined and it would be unduly restrictive upon the several military commanders to divide Berlin into zones of occupation at this time. For example, one section of Berlin may be found to have no installations of use to the [Page 348] military whereas another section may be relatively much better off from the standpoint of communications facilities and the like. Moreover, if Berlin is to be administered by the three powers, all portions of the City, all German facilities and functions, etc., should be subject to this unified control. If Berlin should be divided into zones, such division should be for billeting and police purposes only. It is our belief that the question of dividing Berlin into zones should not be raised at this time but should be left for consideration and decision by the three military commanders on the spot at the time of occupation. It is suggested that you request your military adviser to consult General Eisenhower and obtain his views on this subject.
Hull