Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Germany and Austria, Volume II

740.00119 Control (Germany)/1–2848: Telegram

The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State

secret

Berlin, January 28, 1948—2 p. m.

225. Personal for Saltzman and Hickerson Eyes Only. Department’s 136, January 26¹ and London’s 314, January 27.² I discussed with Clay on return trip text of French note dated January 23 copy of which handed me by Jake Beam on departure. I have also informed him of content of London’s telegram. Thus far Clay has not been in contact with Robertson and Steel is in Frankfurt working on plan for reorganization of German bizonal agencies.

I have made it very clear to Clay that what is desired is gesture to French before final approval of plan with minor concession on one or two points. This would serve purpose of avoiding accusation of facing them with a fait accompli.

Clay is telegraphing Draper he fails to understand the situation and that his instructions are to proceed to effect western German reorganization as promptly and efficiently as possible. In absence of further instructions from Department of Army he would continue along these lines. In that connection he has read both Department’s 136 of January 26 and London’s 314 of January 27.

I have been in contact with St. Hardouin this morning and are to meet this afternoon. Undoubtedly, Robertson will be in touch with General Clay during course of day. I shall hope to telegraph further re French counterproposals.

Murphy

1. Not printed; it summarized the formal French comments on the bizonal economic reforms presented in a memorandum delivered to the Department of State on January 23 (see footnote 2 to the Secretary of State’s note of January 31 to Ambassador Bonnet, p. 53). The telegram concluded with the following observations:

   “Dept desires Ambassador Murphy suggest to General Clay that he discuss French counter-proposals with General Robertson and cable joint views earliest so that reply may be made to French Govt before entry into force of Frankfurt decisions. Views will be transmitted immediately to French upon receipt and you would be notified.

   “Without derogating our support of Frankfurt decisions, it might be useful if accomodation could be given to French on some point not detrimental to effectiveness of new bizonal plan.” (740.00119 Control (Germany)/1–2648)

2. Not printed; it reported that the British Foreign Office had instructed General Robertson to discuss the French observations with General Clay and to make concession to French on some nonessential points (740.00119 Control (Germany)/1–2748).