740.00119 control (Germany)/11–1945
The Chief of the Division of Central European Affairs (Riddleberger) to the Director of the Civil Affairs Division of the War Department (Hilldring)
Dear General: I would like to send a cable along the following lines to Bob Murphy so that he might be informed of the developments which we discussed the other afternoon, but before doing so would wish to be certain that it was satisfactory to you and faithfully represents your understanding of the situation:
“Satisfactory conferences with General Hilldring have confirmed that there is no difference of view between the Departments of State and War as regards the necessity of your continuing to keep the Department informed of important developments in Military Government in Germany through your present independent channels of communication and the equal necessity of your receiving directly from the Department information and policy guidance to enable you to fulfill your duties as Political Adviser. (Urtel 1056, Nov. 19, 7 p.m.)
“In consideration, however, of General Clay’s view that instructions and suggestions should reach him through a single channel the Department will henceforth, when it desires to express its view or comments in the form of instructions, address them to the War Department for further communication to the Military or Deputy Military Governor, at the same time cabling you a copy or summary of such communications. You may, in your discretion, make such copies or summaries available to the Military Governor or the Deputy Military Governor.
“General Hilldring has given instructions that such communications from the Department shall be forwarded with a minimum of delay”.78
Would you telephone me your reaction to the telegram? I discussed it with Assistant Secretary Russell, who finds it all right if it is all right with you.
Sincerely yours,
- This message was transmitted to Mr. Murphy in telegram 97, January 14, 1946, 8 p.m., to Berlin.↩