740.00119 Potsdam/8–645
No. 976
The Secretary of
State to the Soviet Foreign Commissar
(Molotov)
My Dear Mr. Molotov: Now that a definite agreement has been reached between the U. S. S. R., the U. K. and the U. S. on a general tripartite plan of reparations1 as required by the Crimea Protocol,2 there remain only the problems of implementing the agreement reached here in Potsdam.
The most important task of determining what shall be removed from the Western zones as reparations and arranging for deliveries of necessary products by the Soviets should go forward as quickly as possible. Since these responsibilities can only be discharged in collaboration with the Allied Control Council, it is obvious that the Allied Commission on Reparations should assemble immediately in Berlin.
I am sure, in view of your desire for the speedy fulfillment of the agreements arrived at, that you will join with me in the decision that the Allied Commission on Reparations should convene in Berlin at once, and I trust you will instruct the Soviet representative on that Commission accordingly.
Very sincerely yours,