Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, European Advisory Commission, Austria, Germany, Volume III

740.00119 EW/12–1145: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Caffery)

[Extract]

Washington, December 11, 1945—5 p.m.

5778. For Angell No. 77.

1. No government should claim any German industrial plant or equipment as reparation except for use in its own territory or use by its nationals in the territory of another nation (urtel From Angell No. 110³⁶), with proviso permitting transfer of ships acquired as reparation to foreign ownership. Maritime Commission insisting on transfer of some smaller German vessels to other countries, notably Philippines. Dept opposes proposed resolution that removals would be for use only in claimant’s country. Depts position consistent with US policy of aiding reconstruction of occupied nations, since plants received by US in above circumstances may in fact be moved to former occupied nations. …

. . . . . . .

Byrnes

36. Reference is to telegram 6962, December 3, midnight, from Paris, wherein Mr. Angell questioned the possibility of a non-member of IARA receiving German reparations by transfer from a member nation which had obtained them under the terms of the IARA Agreement (740.00119 EW/12–345).