740.00119 Control (Germany)/4–2S45: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
3332. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have submitted their views with respect to the French zone of occupation in Germany, which are being transmitted by air mail today. The following is an excerpt respecting the territory to be released from the United States zone to the French:
“There are no overriding military objections to giving to the French, with proper safeguards with regard to transit rights, the State of Baden, the State of Wurttemberg and the Province of Sigmaringen although it is militarily desirable to retain Wurttemberg and Sigmaringen since U.S. activities may, at a later date, be centered in the Munich area. However, the French may be satisfied with receiving the State of Baden only and it is recommended that the release of that area alone be proposed initially to the French. Regardless ,of whether or not the State of Wurttemberg and the Province of Sigmaringen, in addition to the State of Baden, are given to the French, it will be necessary to have a clear agreement with the French guaranteeing rights of passage through any part of the French zone lying contiguous to and west of the U.S. zone, particularly exclusive rights to the bridges which the American forces have built over the Rhine and the communication facilities which the American forces have built in Germany.”
The Department is instructing Caffery to sound out the French Government immediately as to whether the cession of Baden alone would be satisfactory and to inform you at once of the result of his inquiry. It is desired that you await Caffery’s report before talking with Massigli. You should then offer Massigli such of the area referred to by the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Caffery indicates will be acceptable to the French without further reference to the Department.