740.00119 Control (Germany)/11–1047: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Director of the Office of European Affairs (Hickerson)
3189. Personal for Hickerson. Catroux informed me this morning that in response to direct question by him in a recent conversation Molotov stated Soviet Government had no intention of proposing [Page 713] withdrawal of troops from Germany.61 At same time Molotov said Soviet Government had not changed its position in any way since Moscow Conference Foreign Ministers. He remarked that Molotov spoke with extreme bitterness about economic fusion Britain and American Zones, which he again characterized as violation of Potsdam, et cetera. I do not accept this statement by Molotov as final, therefore see Ourtel 3177 to Department November 6.
Catroux believes that following fruitless conference London it will be necessary that French Zone of occupation be joined economically with British and American but emphasized importance of how this handled in order avoid giving ammunition to French Communists. He believes this move will be accepted by French people if it is made clear that it is in economic interests of themselves and their western allies and not primarily in interests of German economy.
Dept pass London 340, Paris 366.