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

800.414/5–345: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics

Washington, May 3, 1945—9 a.m.

The Department has received numerous requests for clarification as a result of its circular of April 25, 2 p.m. and previous circulars regarding access to German archives and the following information is given for your guidance:

The United States intends to take action to seize German archives in this country and if the Swiss Government as protecting power protests such action we intend to insist upon our right to the archives²⁷ for the reasons set forth in the Deptelcirc April 7, 2 p.m.

The British Government has been requested to issue instructions to its representatives to support your action in requesting access to German archives.

Grew

27. For request to Swiss Government concerning German properties and archives under its protection, see Department press release of May 9, 1945, Department of State Bulletin, May 13, 1945, p. 900.