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

740.00119 Council/9–2145

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Acting Secretary of State

London, September 21, 1945—3 p.m.
[Received 9:55 p.m.]

9774. Delsec 40. For Clayton from the Secretary. Re Secdel 683.⁶⁴ The French have not raised the question of restitution of looted property in the Council. I agree that it should be discussed in the Allied Control Councils in Germany and Austria rather than here. Since I understand that the Soviets have proposed this, it should be possible to get the British and French to agree to this procedure. Reinstein will discuss the matter informally with Waley and Rueff and inform you.

I approve fully of the directive sent to General Clay which is described in your telegram.⁶⁵ I consider it important that the return of identifiable looted property be started as soon as possible. [Byrnes.]

Winant

64. See telegram 8077, September 17, 8 p.m., to London, p. 1293. For documentation concerning discussion of restitution in the Council of Foreign Ministers, see vol. ii , index entries under Council of Foreign Ministers: Reparations from Germany.
65. See telegram 8245, September 20, 5 p.m., to London, p. 1299.