740.00119 Control (Germany)/10–2345
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 2.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch No. 1050 of October 1, 1945, reporting the plan to reorganize United States Military Government structure in Germany, and to enclose a directive just received here which was issued on October 5, 1945, by Headquarters, United States Forces, European Theater, entitled “Reorganization of Military Government Channels in Order to Develop German Responsibility for Self-Government”.32
Two significant points are to be noted in this highly important document. Firstly, on the assumption that denazification has been so successful that Germans can be entrusted with a greater share of responsibility in their government, it is provided that military government units will withdraw from direct, active participation in government in Germany in Landkreis, Stadtkreis and, subsequently, Regierungsbezirk levels effective upon the dates cited.33 Their duties will be taken over by the appropriate German officials in all cases, with the exceptions as to “general policy control” functions stipulated.34
Secondly, with respect to the revised procedure as to channels set forth in paragraph 3 of the enclosed directive, a great step forward has been taken. Instead of having our military government authorities in the three Lander and the Bremen Enclave proceed, as is now the case, through cumbersome Army channels with the resultant loss of time and efficiency, direct communication between them and the Office of Military Government (U.S. Zone), with headquarters at Frankfurt, is to be established. This step ought certainly to make for a more efficient system of control and supervision under the new organization of German local government.
Respectfully yours,