Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, General, Volume I

740.00113 EW/9–1644: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)¹³

Washington, October 19, 1944—midnight.

8689. In view of the delays which have been encountered since the Department’s original proposal in June to undertake discussions with the British and Soviets on reparations (reDepts 6485, August 16, reEmbs 6946, August 26¹⁴ and reEmbs 7634, September 16) we agree that it is desirable to include in such discussions the question of economic security. Such discussions should commence before the collapse of Germany. We cannot count on adequate time for discussions on these two subjects independently and therefore favor their being merged. The inclusion of reparation clauses of a highly specific sort in the Roumanian and Finnish armistice agreements¹⁵ underscores the need for early tripartite agreement on principles and procedures governing reparation settlements.

Unless you perceive some objection please inform the appropriate British authorities that we consider it desirable to fix a date, in early November if possible, for the commencement of discussions on economic security, reparations and restitution. We are agreeable that such discussions should take place in Moscow provided the Soviet Government so desires. We agree with your suggestion as reported by Penrose that such a proposal has tactical advantages. Ambassador Harriman in Moscow is being requested to make a similar approach to the Soviet Authorities.

Since the subject of economic security is involved the discussions should certainly take place within the framework of EAC and recommendations and reports should be made through EAC. Upon reaching agreement by the representatives on EAC similar discussions should be instituted with the other European Allies still within the framework of EAC.

Hull

13. Repeated with the exception of the last two sentences of paragraph 2 as Department’s 2477 to Moscow, October 19, midnight.
14. Telegram 6946, August 26, not printed.
15. For correspondence regarding United States interest in the Allied armistice wth Finland of September 19, 1944, see vol. iii, pp. 608 ff. For correspondence regarding the 1944 Allied armistice with Rumania, see vol. iv, pp. 133 ff.