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

800.4016 D. P./10–1745: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser for Austrian Affairs (Erhardt)

Washington, October 19, 1945—7 p.m.

197. Urtel 338 Oct 17, 1945.⁶² Instructions to General Eisenhower⁶³ to receive in US zone Germany Germans now in Austria referred solely to Keichsdeutsche. In response to enquiry concerning the reception in Germany of Germans now in other countries (reurtels 218 Sept 15, 338 Oct 17) Dept has sent following suggestions of categories to be received in order listed to US Polad Germany.

a. Reichsdeutsche who fled from Germany to other countries in the final days of the war.

b. Reichsdeutsche and Volksdeutsche who were transferred to countries occupied by the Germans for war purposes or as settlers of occupied territories.

c. Minority Germans (Volksdeutsche) resident permanently in other countries prior to the war.

d. Reichsdeutsche permanently resident prior to the war in areas transferred since the war such as former German areas now occupied by Poland.

Should foregoing be accepted by ACC/G⁶⁴ Volksdeutsche might be transferred from Austria to Germany when transfer of Reichsdeutsche from Austria has been completed.

Byrnes

62. Not printed. In this telegram the Political Adviser inquired if General Eisenhower’s instructions applied to Volksdeutsche as well as to Reichsdeutsche. If they did not, the question arose as to what the disposition of the numerous Volksdeutsche in Austria should be. They were for the most part unacceptable to their former country of residence, and there was no place for them in Austria. (800.4016 D.P./10–1745)
63. General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commanding General, European Theater of Operations, and Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force.
64. Allied Control Commission in Germany.