740.00119 E.W./12–545: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Caffery)
Washington, December
15, 1945—5 p.m.
5884. For Angell No. 75. Dept agrees addition section to statement set forth urtel 75,66 as outlined urtel 118 (6996 of Dec 5) with following changes:
- a)
- Phrase “those persons entitled to its protection” should be qualified by addition words “at the time the loss occurred”. This qualification required to prevent apparent satisfaction claims of persons who have suffered losses as Germans and are now US citizens. It may be noted that reparation removal of property of persons recently become US citizens would be regarded as satisfied by Germany under this formula, despite fact no claim has been made in Annex A for such losses. This acceptable to Dept.
- b)
- Alter phrases “against Germany, ACC and Fr, UK, US” to “against Germany, ACC and the powers occupying Germany” and “incidence of industrial removals policy in western zones of Germany” to delete words “western zones of”. Potsdam protocol provides that reparation removals from western zones for certain countries are in satisfaction reparation claims against Germany, not simply against three western zones. Omission of USSR from occupying powers listed and eastern zone from relevant portion of Germany appears to leave open question of settlement of claims against USSR for removals of foreign property from eastern zone. If this is intended, Dept disapproves.
Acheson