840.811/12–1746: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 17—4:36 p.m.]
2922. Reurcirtel Nov 7, 1946, 4 p.m.93 on restitution Danube craft. Restitution proceeding satisfactorily in atmosphere of cordiality between Hungarians, Yugoslavs and Czechs and OMG authorities. To date 184 Hungarian, 162 Yugoslav, and 25 Czech have been restituted, which number represents all non-controversial claims. Twenty-four Hungarian craft, 17 Yugoslav craft presently retained pending clarification titles. Friendly and understanding atmosphere prevails with respect to these craft. Twenty-five Rumanian and 3 Greek craft still retained due to fact that no mission has arrived. Twenty-eight French and 8 Belgian craft in process of restitution. Nonriparian states owning craft are negotiating with riparian states in some instances for sale of craft. Craft are proceeding downstream to home countries. However, movements seriously impeded due to low water and channel obstructions. To date 33 Hungarian craft and 34 Yugoslav craft have departed from Germany.