262.84A4/5–2552: Telegram
No. 47
The United States High Commissioner
for Germany (McCloy) to the Department of
State1
3059. From the Secretary. Secretary saw Adenauer this morning re Israeli and Jewish claims.2 Stressed importance US attaches to having a settlement of this matter reached which is satisfactory to both sides. Emphasized fact that it is primarily a moral issue. Expressed disappointment at reports that Gers seemed to be hoping for US aid to assist them in settling the claims and pointed out that Gers wld be evading moral responsibility if they relied on such a solution. Made clear Gers cld expect no aid from US for this purpose.
Chancellor in reply noted that resignation of Boehm, chief Ger negotiator in talks with Israeli and Jewish reps had been withdrawn and Boehm was now discussing claims in Paris with Nahum Goldmann, who is acting as rep for Israeli as well as Jewish material claimants. Chancellor said he had heard these discussions are going well.
Secretary expressed satisfaction this report and said he hoped Gers wld make every effort to reach prompt and satisfactory settlement.
[Page 104]New subj: Suggested reply from Secretary to Sharett’s letter (Paris tel 894, May 23 to Bonn) will be telegraphed shortly for Dept approval.3
- Repeated to Paris, London, The Hague, and Tel Aviv.↩
- The meeting probably took place immediately before the quadripartite meeting reported on infra.↩
- No copy of this telegram, which apparently was not repeated to Washington, has been found in Department of State files. The letter under reference from Israeli Minister Sharett, copies of which were also sent to the British and French, asked that Israeli claims be brought to the attention of the Federal Republic.↩