740.00119 EAC/1–245
The Secretary of State to the President
Memorandum for the President
Subject: Proposals Regarding French Participation in Certain Tripartite Plans for the Occupation of Germany.
In my previous memorandum on the above subject I indicated that the French Provisional Government, through its representative on the European Advisory Commission, had put forward five specific proposals, the purposes of which were to place France on a footing of equality with the United States, United Kingdom and Soviet Union with regard to German affairs.
I recommended that subject to the approval of our military authorities, this Government approve the French request. The views of the War and Navy Departments are being sought through the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee.
A subsequent telegram from the Ambassador at London (No. 59 of January 2, 19451) states that the British Government has considered the French memorandum and, through its representative on the European Advisory Commission, approved the French proposals in principle, at the same time reserving its final position until it has had an opportunity to examine the draft amendments to the existing agreements which the French intend to present.
I think that it would be useful if we could take the same position at an early date prior to detailed consideration with the War and Navy Departments of the specific French proposals when they are received.
Ambassador Winant states that so far M. Massigli has taken a helpful part in the discussions of the European Advisory Commission.
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