CFM Files: Lot M–88: Box 2172: Benelux Documents
Text of Communication From the United States, United Kingdom, and French Delegations at the London Conference on Germany to the Belgian, Netherlands, and Luxembourg Representatives 1
[TRI/10]
Talks on Germany
The representatives of the Benelux Governments have asked about their future participation in inter Allied discussions relating to Germany.
2. The U.S., U.K. and French Governments, in reply, wish to state that it is their intention to invite the representatives of the Benelux Governments to take part in a similar way in any joint discussions on Germany which may be held in similar circumstances to the present meeting. In addition, they will keep this question under review and take opportunity to exchange views on developments and prospects through the ordinary channels.
3. The U.S., U.K. and French Governments continue to recognise, as they have hitherto done, the just claim of the Benelux Government to be associated with future Four Power deliberations on the preparation of the German Peace Treaty. They will, as far as it lies within their power, further this claim at the appropriate time, having in mind particularly the claims of other countries for similar association.
4. The Benelux Governments have asked to be consulted on matters affecting the government of Western Germany and the implementation of important decisions. The U.S., U.K. and French Governments realise the importance for the Benelux countries of such matters as may affect the vital interests of the Benelux countries, and they therefore are prepared to consider a form of consultation that in a practical way might meet their wishes. The U.S., U.K. and French Governments, however, do not feel that they can commit themselves to consult the Benelux Governments before taking action, irrespective of its nature, which they may regard as necessary for the proper administration of their Zones. As, however, the U.S., U.K. and French Governments recognise the interest of the Benelux Governments to be well informed on these matters, they have asked their Military Governors [Page 145] to make arrangements for a close association with the Benelux representatives in Germany.
- This communication was prepared by the
American, British, and French Delegations in reply to the Benelux
statement of February 28, p. 103. The
communication was discussed by the London Conference at its 8th
Meeting, March 2 (see telegram 829, Delsec 1599, March 2, from London, p. 114) and was completed and approved at
its 12th Meeting, March 6 (see telegram 906, Delsec 1620, March 6, from London,
p. 140). On March 8, Sir William Strang informed the
American Embassy in London that he sent this communication, in the
form of a memorandum, to Netherlands Ambassador Michiels van Verduynen with the
request that it also be given to the Ambassador’s Belgian and
Luxembourg colleagues.
This communication was Annex A to the Report of the London Conference on Germany, p. 306.
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