740.00119 Control (Germany)/7–1648: Telegram

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

secret

1721. Personal for Saltzman and Hickerson. After meeting of military governors at Frankfurt yesterday, reported in my Frankfurt telegram 51; July 15,1 I had informal conversation with Ministers President Ehard of Bavaria and Kaisen of Bremen regarding three proposals of 30 June. Their attitude was exceedingly cooperative and understanding. Both said that US military governor’s talk with them had clarified their views of governmental question as much as it had surprised them. Up to that time it was the understanding that the London proposal was for negotiation with Germans and that this was confirmed to them by General Koenig who had informed each Minister President that there was no intention to insist on exact terms of proposal regarding political structure nor was there any urgency. Their principal concern, according to them, lies in the fear that the German population of the Soviet zone of occupation may misunderstand action by Germans establishing western German Government. They appreciate that the eastern zone is not now available and thought in making the Coblenz counterproposals that they were substantially meeting the views of the western powers. They had no fear that their action would provoke the Soviet Union but their anxiety related to a possible misunderstanding on the part of the eastern German population. The information they had obtained from General Koenig and other French sources also confused them. I informed Ministers President that we wish to give every consideration to their views of governmental arrangements [Page 403] and desire to avoid impression of imposition. I also stated our preference for the submission of the constitution or basic law to popular vote. With this they seemed to be fully in accord. Both said that whatever name might be given the organization to be set up in western Germany, that every German would understand it is to all intents and purposes a German Government which would hope to hold open the door for the later reception of the eastern compatriots. Both understood the urgency of the situation and were determined to do the best they could with their colleagues.

Regarding Land boundaries, they believe this question should be postponed. I pointed out that it is a requirement that they examine the boundaries and propose such modifications as they wish to recommend. If they do not wish to propose any modifications that will be a matter for their discretion.

They expressed expected disappointment that occupation statute did not grant more latitude but on this point I believe they are talking for the record.

They will have further consultations with their colleagues before again meeting the military governors, presumably next week.

Sent Dept 1721, repeated London as 346, Paris as 340.

Murphy
  1. Ante, p. 396.