Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, European Advisory Commission, Austria, Germany, Volume III

740.00119 EW/11–1545: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Caffery)

Washington, November 23, 1945—6 p.m.

5469. For Angell No. 39. Urtel 6601 of Nov 15, from Angell No. 56. Re Zecho, Yugo, Belg and Dutch desire to discuss restitution, Dept urges you limit this discussion to minimum. You should point out informally to these countries that restitution concerns all four zones in Germany, whereas present reparation conference relates only to western zones; that ACC is now deciding formula for application restitution all four zones; that US has adopted interim procedure for restitution from US zone, pending adoption of quadripartite machinery.

In any event there should be no attempt to reach formal agreements except on gold. If majority conference insists on adopting resolution on restitution, such resolution should not be regarded as binding agreement, but merely advisory to occupying powers.

You should also seek to enlist support Brit and French reps in preventing adoption any intergovernmental agreements on restitution, in light of above.

Byrnes