740.00119 Council/5–1148: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Douglas ) to the Secretary of State
2032. Delsec 1728. At the meeting of the heads of delegation last night Massigli raised certain questions concerning security, the answers to which he said would greatly facilitate the agreement on this issue which is necessary for the conclusion of a general agreement in respect of Germany (refer Delsec 1725 May 101).
In discussing the length of allied occupation Massigli asked whether (1) in the opinion of the US and UK is continued occupation of Germany dependent upon Four Power agreement or would unilateral violation release other parties and if so is withdrawal by one of the three possible without consent of the other two; (2) would US and UK be prepared to agree not to withdraw their troops without prior (a) consultation or (b) agreement with France; (3) should the US and UK evacuate prior to the conclusion of a peace treaty would they agree to continued French occupation extended beyond present French Zone. Whereas I foresee it will be difficult to give categorical assurances in respect to the last two questions, any views you may send me urgently in this connection would be helpful. For example, might we indicate that US would agree to give assurances under (2) above for a specified period or until German peace treaty. In any event I should appreciate earliest reply to first question.
With respect to an agreement on consultation Massigli again asked whether some understanding in respect of Germany at this time could be reached and whether we could agree to consult with UK and France as to what steps might be taken if it appeared that Germany were developing an aggressive attitude or that there were a resurgence of German military strength.
I suggested the establishment of a military security board along the lines of Deptel 691 February 28,2 the general principles of which were acceptable to the French.