740.00119 (Potsdam)/7–3045
United States Delegation Memorandum1
Summary of Meeting of Foreign Ministers July 30, 1945
1. German Reparations.
The U. S. Delegation presented the proposals attached hereto (Attachments la, 1b, and 1c)2 in regard to German reparations, to the Polish Western Frontier and to the admission of certain countries to the United Nations. The British Delegation presented two papers in regard to German reparations which are also attached hereto (Attachments 2 and 3).3 The Soviet Delegation urged that a specific figure of Soviet reparations from Western Germany be named and suggested 8 hundred million dollars and 2 million tons. They also preferred that the proposal specify reparations from the U. S. and British zones rather than from the Ruhr alone. The question of the specification of a definite figure was referred to the Big Three though the British Foreign Minister stated categorically that he could not agree to such specifications. There was also discussion of who should determine what amounts from Western Germany would be available for reparations and the U. S. presented the suggestion which is attached hereto (Attachment 4).4
2. Economic Principles To Govern Treatment of Germany.
Decision on this question was put off until the question of German reparations was settled.
[Page 498]3. German External Assets.
The U. S. presented a paper on this subject which was referred to the Economic Subcommittee for examination. (Attachment 5).5
4. Polish Western Frontier.
Mr. Byrnes stated that he could not discuss this question unless agreement could be reached on all three of the proposals which he had presented at the opening of the meeting, i. e., the proposal on German Reparations, proposal on the Polish Western Frontier, and the proposal on Admission to the United Nations.
5. Disposition of the German Fleet and Merchant Marine.
Both the British and Soviet papers on this subject, which are attached hereto (Attachments 6 and 7),6 were referred to the subcommittee which has been set up to deal with this question.
6. Additional Points To Be Included in the Political Principles for Germany.
The British paper on this question which is attached hereto (Attachment 8)7 was considered. The first point was approved. The second point was not approved but was referred for consideration to the Control Council for Germany.
The Soviet Delegation also presented a paper on this question, which is attached hereto (Attachment 9).8 The British and U. S. Delegations approved the Soviet proposal in principle but took the position that the details should be left to the Control Commission for Germany. The U. S. therefore suggested a modification to the Soviet proposal, which is also attached hereto (Attachment 10).9 It was agreed that a final decision should be reached on these proposals tomorrow.
7. Southeastern Europe.
The British presented a paper on this subject which the Soviets asked for further time to study. The paper is attached hereto (Attachment 11)10 as well as a Soviet paper presented at the same time on conditions in the Trieste–Istria district (Attachment 12).11
8. War Crimes.
Both the British and the Soviets presented papers on this subject which are attached hereto (Attachments 13 and 14).12 There was [Page 499] general agreement that the Conference should make a statement on this subject and the consensus of opinion seemed to be that the statement should not include the names of possible war criminals. It was agreed that Mr. Byrnes would consult Justice Jackson and the Soviets would study the British draft with a view to discussing the question again tomorrow.
9. Fascist Activities in Germany.
The Soviets referred to the paper they had circulated13 in regard to Nazis who are said to be active in the British, French and U. S. zones in Germany and Austria. U. S. and British representatives said that they have asked their commanders for reports on this subject and that they will communicate with the Soviet Government as soon as the reports are received.
10. German Troops in Norway.
The Soviets referred to their paper previously circulated14 on German troops in Norway who are said not to have been disarmed. The British said that they are preparing a reply to this note,15 which they hope to have tomorrow.
11. Austrian and Italian Reparations.
The Soviets presented a new paper on this subject, which is attached hereto (Attachment 15).16 Mr. Byrnes pointed out that Generalissimo Stalin had already agreed that War reparations would not be asked of Austria. On Mr. Molotov’s motion it was decided once more to refer the question of Italian reparations to the Big Three.
12. The Ruhr Industrial Area.
The Soviets presented a paper on this subject, which is attached hereto (Attachment 16).17 Mr. Bevin stated that he could not discuss this subject without the French but agreed to study the paper.
13. Soviet Citizens from the Baltic, Western Ukraine and White Russia.
The Soviets presented a paper on this subject, which is attached hereto (Attachment 17).18 The British and U. S. Delegations agreed to give the matter consideration.
14. Big Three Agenda.
It was agreed that this agenda should be drawn up by informal consultation among the three delegations.
- Authorship not indicated.↩
- Documents Nos. 961, 1152, and 731, post, respectively.↩
- Documents Nos. 960 and 1051, post.↩
- Document No. 962, post.↩
- Document No. 1000, post.↩
- Documents Nos. 1014 and 1013, post respectively.↩
- Document No. 879, post.↩
- Document No. 886, post.↩
- Document No. 887, post.↩
- Document No. 1083, post.↩
- Document No. 1211, post.↩
- Documents Nos. 1018 and 1016, post, respectively. Although document No. 1016 is the paper actually annexed as attachment 14, document No. 1017 was apparently the paper submitted by Molotov at the Tenth Meeting of the Foreign Ministers.↩
- Documents Nos. 790 and 1055, post.↩
- Document No. 1056, post.↩
- Enclosure 1 to document No. 1098, post.↩
- Document No. 1104, post.↩
- Document No. 1027, post.↩
- Document No. 1167, post.↩