Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, Council of Foreign Ministers, Volume II

740.00119 Council/11–1446

The Czechoslovak Minister for Foreign Affairs (Masaryk) to the Secretary of State

undated

Your Excellency: I have been instructed by the Government of the Czechoslovak Republic to transmit to Your Excellency the following statement:

Czechoslovakia is a neighbor of Germany and therefore has a vital and understandable interest in the forthcoming deliberation by the Council of Foreign Ministers regarding the settlement of the German problem. The century old struggle of Bohemia against German aggression is a well known historical fact. Czechoslovakia was among the first independent countries to be attacked and occupied by the Nazis and to have part of its territory incorporated into the Third Reich. Czechoslovakia was the last country to be delivered from the German clutches.

The unbelievable suffering of the Czechoslovak people is well known to the whole world and I need not dwell upon it. Czechoslovakia, free once more, is determined to take all possible precautions that an attack by Germany will not be repeated.

Considering all these facts which I have stated, the Government of Czechoslovakia asks urgently for an opportunity to present its views on the final settlement of the German problem and to be permitted to take part in those deliberations which concern the interests of my country.²³

I have [etc.]

Jan Masaryk

23. In his note of acknowledgment of November 14, 1946, not printed, the Secretary stated: “When the German question is brought up for consideration by the Council of Foreign Ministers, I shall not fail to inform the Council of your government’s request.” (740.00119 Council/11–1446)