740.00119 Control (Germany)/8–3148: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
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2207. Personal for the Secretary and Lovett (Eyes Only). I accompanied General Clay to the first meeting of the Military Governors which was held at 5 p. m. Berlin time, 31 August, in the ACA building Berlin. Robertson opened meeting with statement he had received directive1 and instructions from his government and he thought it would be proper to inquire whether his colleagues had received similar instructions. He was glad to note celerity with which his colleagues had responded to his invitation. He then referred to paragraphs (A) and (B) of directive and suggested the establishment of two committees under the heading of (1) communications, and (2) currency. If his colleagues agreed, then there would only be the question as to time committee reports would be made and question of press.
Koenig agreed, but Sokolovsky suggested that if his colleagues were willing to agree to such an arrangement, it would mean the loss of considerable time and that if it were desired to complete the work assigned to Military Governors within the time limit established by governments, it would seem better for Military Governors to do the work themselves. The auxiliary work could be done by the experts. He thought that Military Governors should meet every day for several hours and at the same time experts could meet daily. As to the press, Sokolovsky insisted that no report should be made until the work of Military Governors and negotiations are completed and Military Governors’ report approved by governments.
Clay pointed out that there was essentially not much difference between UK and USSR suggestions. He thought that the appointment of a third committee on trade would be an excellent idea and that if committees were appointed, they could work simultaneously with the meeting of the Military Governors. He suggested that committees be [Page 1100] detailed to start work immediately in order that a preliminary report could be submitted for tomorrow’s meeting. After more discussion, Sokolovsky said “If you want committees, let’s have them”.
It was agreed to name the following committees:
Communications: General Bapst, French; General Brownjohn, British; General Kwaschnin, USSR; General Hays, US.
Finance: Leroy-Beaulieu, French; Coates, British; Maletin, USSR; and Bennett, US.
Trade: Humbert, French; Weir, British; Mechin, USSR; and Wilkinson, US.
There was considerable detailed discussion of the procedure to be followed by the committees in approaching their work, General Clay emphasizing for the US that we were ready to accept any arrangements which would facilitate and expedite the work of the committees.
On Clay’s suggestion, it was also agreed that chairmanship of the Military Governors would rotate daily and that the same rule would apply to the committees.
Sokolovsky having suggested that he thought that it would not be possible for the committees to meet today, it was agreed that they would hold their first meeting at 10 a. m., September 1, and that the Military Governors would next meet at 5 p. m., September 1, with Koenig in the chair.
Secretariat was established consisting of following: Glaim, French; Swayne, British; Maximov, USSR; Oulashin, US.
There was lengthy discussion regarding press with Soviet delegate insisting that nothing be said to the press, but on British suggestion it was agreed to say further meetings would be held.
Sokolovsky’s attitude might be characterized as mildly provocative with evident desire to indicate mastery of situation.
Sent Department 2207; repeated London for Douglas 551; Paris for Caffery 565; Department pass Moscow for Smith 461.