740.00119 Control (Germany)/11–1945
Memorandum by the United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the United States Deputy Military Governor for Germany (Clay)35
I have made a careful survey of the Office of Political Affairs to ascertain whether any economies in personnel are feasible but find no possibility of reduction if I am to meet the obligations of my position as Political Adviser to you and the requirements of the Department of State. On the contrary, there should be a small increase here in Berlin. It is to be noted that the Department of State in its budgetary estimate for the present fiscal year anticipated a total staff, officers and clerks on State Department payroll, of 184; actually we have only 104. In addition to civilian personnel we have 13 Army officers and 24 enlisted men.
As you know, because of the anomalous situation obtaining in Germany, the staff under my immediate direction has two different duties: that of forming an integral part of the Military Government of Germany and that of performing, within the framework of Military Government, a number of the functions normally assigned to a United States diplomatic mission abroad.
Within the first category of duties is, of course, the major responsibility of giving you maximum support and assistance, and of procuring information with respect to developments within Germany, remaining in contact with official policies and public opinion in the United States and with policies and opinions in Allied countries. This, it seems to me, is required of the Political Adviser in the interest of his maximum contribution to the Military Governor and the Deputy Military Governor. I am sure you will understand my earnest desire to maintain as competent and as comprehensive a flow of information and reasoned judgment as possible in this responsibility.
As an integral part of the work of Military Government, the Office of Political Affairs is charged with a substantial concern for the political aspects of denazification policies, for the development of German political parties and activities, for the disposition of the German Foreign Office and its records together with other aspects of diplomatic and representation within Germany and outside. The Office also participates in the preparation of the Military Governor’s Monthly Report and collaborates with the other offices and divisions in their multiplicity of duties. The task of concurrence from the [Page 992] political point of view in the many drafts submitted to the office requires a number of qualified men who have not only political training but also a knowledge of the various fields in which action is proposed. Since our national objective in Germany is fundamentally a political one, I am equally concerned that the work of the Office of Political Affairs be carried on by a staff of sufficient size to permit us to bring to bear on every question the most informed judgment which is possible.
The second category of functions, that of a diplomatic mission, within the framework of Military Government, places two specialized duties on me and on the Office of Political Affairs. The first of these involves the representation of American interests in property and in citizens, particularly through consular activities. This performance of this duty is considerably behind what I would like and if it is to be done, the Department of State will have to maintain a substantial group of Foreign Service officers in Germany for it.
A further responsibility in this second category of diplomatic functions is that of adequate reporting to the Department of State. This work, whose importance is attested by the fact that it is a statutory function resting on all American diplomatic missions, is, of course, the basis on which the Department of State conducts the foreign relations of the United States. Its importance is further recognized by the fact that it has been an authorized procedure ever since political advisers to our military commanders were appointed. I am, therefore, particularly desirous that I be in a position continuously to report to the Department of State in harmony with you, in those established forms which the Department is organized to use most advantageously, the course of those events in Germany which are essential for wise foreign policy.
The presence of Army personnel in the administrative branch of the Office of Political Affairs seems to me essential as long as military directives and procedures govern American activities in Germany. Officers of the Foreign Service do not have the experience necessary for effecting a smooth integration of the office into military administration. I should feel myself severely lamed without the assistance of competent Army personnel.
Our present clerical staff, the vast majority of whom are on the payroll of the Department of State, are now developing efficiency as a team. They should provide the necessary basis for whatever diplomatic and consular representation will be required for the future. In my opinion this clerical staff will of necessity be augmented rather than reduced as time goes on.
With conditions as they are throughout Europe today, I must keep in close contact with my colleagues in each country in Europe. Almost every problem facing Germany—food, coal, transportation, reparations—is [Page 993] not confined to Germany alone. They overlap into, and are affected by, conditions throughout Europe, and therefore it is essential for me to know of developments in other countries affecting Germany, and in turn, I am called upon to keep my colleagues advised, in addition to the Department of State, of developments within Germany affecting neighboring countries. This function places an additional burden on my staff.
In view of the conditions outlined above, I request that the current personnel limitations, imposed by the Manpower Board, be removed insofar as they pertain to the State Department personnel assigned or to be assigned to the offices of Political Adviser and Political Affairs.
- Copy transmitted to the Department in despatch 1349, November 19, from Berlin, not printed.↩