USPolAd Germany Files: 801.1 Ministers President: Telegram
The United States Military Governor for Germany (Clay) to the Department of the Army
priority
CC–5332. Dept of Army for CSCAD Personal for Noce, from CINCEUR Personal from Clay. At meeting with Minister Presidents yesterday, they accepted unconditionally the London Conference proposals and the responsibility to place them in motion. They did ask that the Constitution be called the “Basic Law (Provisional Constitution)” to which the 3 Military Governors agreed.
They also asked for further consideration of the requirement for ratification of the Basic Law to be by direct vote of the people, being in favor of ratification by the Landtage of the several States. Their reason was their fear that a Communist sponsored national constitution in the East with support from those Germans “tired of being occupied” might well result in a substantial vote against the Constitution. While they did not believe that such a vote would prevent its acceptance, they felt that a large opposition vote would damage the prestige of the Constitution. There is merit in their contention. However, it would seem to me too early to judge as there is also much merit in having the Constitution receive the approval of a majority of the people. I would like discretionary authority to approve whichever method seems more appropriate under the conditions which will exist as the preparation of the Constitution draws to a conclusion. Of course the French will welcome ratification by the Landtage and the British are prepared to accept.
The Minister Presidents also asked for a delay beyond 1 September to make their recommendations with respect to state boundaries. This is a question which was of particular interest to the French and I would like authority to go along with whatever extension of time the French are willing to accept.1
The meeting was an excellent one and I believe that our program is now launched in an atmosphere of understanding which will lead to quick and satisfactory developments.
- Message WX–86782, August 1, to Berlin, not printed, stated that the State and Army Departments approved the authority requested in this message by General Clay. The German requests appeared to be reasonable and acceptable provided that the British and French also agreed (USPolAd Files: 801.1 Ministers President).↩