740.00119 Control (Germany)/12–1148: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
us urgent
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4632. ToRuhr 27. Re para 14, Ruhrto 37.1 As in past, we wish meet Fr security preoccupations insofar we can at present but feel they are trying force us adopt formal commitments re a set of circumstances which cannot be exactly foreseen. Annex L London decisions under “Inspection and Enforcement” provides that there shall be established a system of inspection to ensure maintenance agreed provisions Ger disarmament and demilitarization. We envisage that these measures would be a projection into post-control period of functions Mil Sec Board which are being successfully evolved. We also envisage that these measures would in all probability closely parallel those contemplated under Byrnes proposal, which however in itself was drafted to deal with an exact set of conditions, namely, a unified Ger to be kept disarmed by four-power agreement. You are at liberty so inform Fr and Brit.
Specific mention should be made Byrnes proposal in any communiqué only if it is clearly understood that our plans bear reference to adaptation certain of measures contemplated under that proposal as [Page 564] distinct from any commitment on our part at this time to enter into a three-power treaty applicable to a part of Ger. We certainly desire to see these arrangements developed, likewise with increasing Benelux participation. It must be clear to Fr that we have an equal interest with them in developing steps to prevent preparations for aggression by or within Ger before any such preparations constitute threat.
Communiqué might list progressive steps looking toward demilitarization and disarmament Ger in post-occupation period which include development Mil Sec Boards inspection system, etc. Objectives and mechanism Byrnes proposal will serve as pattern for determination by Mil Sec Board of disarmament and demilitarization measures and prior end occupation, agreement will be reached on continuation disarmament measures and agency to implement them after occupation period. Mention should not be made length of time demilitarization measures.