740.00119 Council/10–548: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy), at Berlin
1694. Personal for Murphy from Saltzman and Hickerson. Dept believes US Mil Govt should support approval recommendation consolidation [Page 431] Wuerttemberg, Baden and Hohenzollern (urtel 2443, Oct 51).
Although such consolidation might in a sense be considered deviation from traditional pattern, nevertheless state thus established would neither be too large in area nor in population in comparison with other states. In fact, its size would coordinate this area better in new general pattern of German Laender. Former boundary bet Baden and Wuerttemberg was irregular and arbitrary. Consolidation would facilitate local administration and create a state economically more balanced than any its components.
We understand in accordance with Part 2, Annex F London Report2 that people affected areas will have opportunity vote on proposal.
- Not printed; it reported that the Ministers President at their meeting on October 1 had decided to make only one affirmative recommendation regarding the change of Laender boundaries, i.e. the consolidation of Wuerttemberg Baden, Wuerttemberg Hohenzollern and South Baden. Ambassador asked for views on the attitude to be taken by U.S. military government authorities in the matter (862.014/10–548). Regarding the proposed changes in Laender boundaries, see the Resolution of the Conference of Ministers President, supra.↩
- See p. 305, footnote 1.↩