740.00119 European War 1939/2491
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to President Roosevelt
As Telegram S–50325 from Stettinius raised the question regarding a Tripartite American-Anglo-Russian Statement to define unconditional surrender, I thought it well to send a message87 immediately [Page 510] to the effect that you are holding very strongly to the principle of unconditional surrender for Germany. I also asked for information as to whether the European Advisory Commission had progressed far enough in its study of terms to be imposed upon Germany to form a basis as to what treatment of Germany would be agreed to by the Soviets, British, and ourselves.
This subject was raised by General Eisenhower and General Smith with Stettinius, and I thought it was necessary to remind them all that no discussion as to the treatment of Germany should be carried on outside of the European Advisory Council, to which this matter was expressly referred by the three Governments. I am immediately informing them in London that no further consideration should be given to this matter without your approval.89