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

740.00119 (Potsdam)/7–3045

No. 1000
Proposal by the United States Delegation ¹

[ Babelsberg , July 30, 1945.]

German External Assets

The United States believes it important that immediate action be taken to exercise control and the power of disposition over German external assets, particularly in neutral countries. This is necessary not only from the standpoint of security but also to preserve such assets for Allied objectives.

It is therefore urged that an appropriate declaration be issued by the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, and if possible France, assuming jurisdiction over such assets.

There are attached alternative forms of a declaration, one which would be issued by the Big Three, and the other which would be issued by the Big Three and France.

Following the issuance of such a declaration it is recommended that the Control Council issue a decree vesting German external assets.

[Attachment 1]

Text of Proposed Declaration by the Big Three

The Chiefs of State of the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union having met at Potsdam, the following Declaration is issued:

The Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union declare that German external assets, not already under the control of United Nations which have taken a part in the war with Germany, are subject to the jurisdiction of the Powers occupying Germany and of the Allied Control Council.

All countries in which such assets are located are hereby called upon to place such assets at the disposition of the occupying powers and of the Allied Control Council. The diplomatic representatives of the Powers signatory to this Declaration will act as their representatives in exercising control and the power of disposition over such assets.

[Attachment 2²]

Text of Proposed Declaration by the Big Three and France

The Chiefs of State of the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union having met at Potsdam and having concerted with the Government of France, the following declaration is issued:

The Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union and France declare that German external assets, not already under the control of United Nations which have taken a part in the war with Germany, are subject to the jurisdiction of the Powers occupying Germany and of the Allied Control Council.

All countries in which such assets are located are hereby called upon to place such assets at the disposition of the occupying powers and of the Allied Control Council, The diplomatic representatives of the Powers signatory to this Declaration will act as their representatives in exercising control and the power of disposition over such assets.

1. Attachment 5 to the summary of the Tenth Meeting of the Foreign Ministers, July 30. See ante, pp. 483, 498.
2. Not attached to the source copy of document No. 1000. The text of attachment 2 here printed constitutes the only attachment to another copy of document No. 1000 (file No. 740.00119 (Potsdam)/7–3145).