762.0221/10–1051: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Frankfurt1

secret

2812. (1) Dept has been considering question continued existence zones of occupation under contractual relationship. Since zones were [Page 1548] estab by agrmt with Sovs in exercise supreme auth, and since supreme auth will be retained to discharge Allied responsibilities re Ger as a whole, contractual arrangements wld have no effect on existence of zones.

(2) Dept believes zones shld continue exist in purely technical sense, but that no practical consequences shld derive from their existence. Creation of zones is so closely connected with 1945 quadripartite agrmts, and also with status Allies as occ powers and right remain in Berlin, that we wld not be prepared terminate their existence formally and thereby give Sovs further opportunity argue we had lost right to our position in Ger. On other hand, we appreciate persistence of zones will be offensive to Gers and inconsistent with new relationship, that nothing shld be said about them in contractual arrangements, and that no publicity shld be given their continued existence. Accordingly suggest, if you agree, foregoing considerations be discussed with Brit and Fr and, provided they concur, subj be discussed with Gers so there will be no misunderstanding either side.

(3) Understand Def expects zones to have no meaning in future mil arrangements, since Ger will be divided into “mil areas” not corresponding to present zones.

Acheson
  1. This telegram, which was drafted by Auchincloss and cleared by Laukhuff, Lewis, and Raymond, was repeated to Bonn, Berlin, London, and Paris.