Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference), 1945, Volume I

J. C. S. Files

No. 170
Memorandum by the United States Chiefs of Staff

top secret

[Washington,] 27 June 1945.

C. C. S. 880/2

Agenda for Military Staff Conferences

1. The United States Chiefs of Staff agree to the tentative outline agenda for the next United States–British Staff Conference proposed by the British Chiefs of Staff in C. C. S. 880¹ and C. C. S. 880/1,² and to the proposed scheme for the preparation of papers in connection therewith.

2. The United States Chiefs of Staff assume that the question of control and command in the war against Japan concerns the reorganization of command in the Southwest Pacific Area now under discussion by the Combined Chiefs of Staff in C. C. S. 852 Series³ and in C. C. S. 878.³ The United States Chiefs of Staff believe it would be desirable to resolve this matter before the forthcoming conference if at all practicable.

3. As to the matter of Russian participation in the war against Japan, there is a question as to whether discussion of this on a combined basis will be necessary, and, in any event, the United States Chiefs of Staff will not be prepared to take up the matter until after conclusion of any conversations with the Russians.

4. It is suggested that in so far as practicable the papers on each side be presented for consideration of the other prior to the conferences.

1. Document No. 154.
2. Document No. 169.
3. Not printed.
3. Not printed.