Extracted text

OCR Page 1 of 8
meet Tuesday, July 17, 1945 Generalissimo Stalin opened the meeting by suggesting that President Truman be asked to serve as the presiding officer. The Generalissimo's suggestion was seconded by Mr. Churchill. President Truman said there was nothing he could do but yield to their wishes and to preside. He thanked them for their courtesy. President Truman then stated that he had some concrete proposals to lay before the Conference. He first pointed out the urgency of preparing for the European settlements. He submitted to the meeting a draft proposal for the establishment of a Council of Foreign Ministers. Mr. Churchill suggested that the paper be referred to the foreign secretaries. in signature SERVICE'" Generalissimo Stalin said he agreed with that procedure but only wished to mention that he had some doubt as to the inclusion of China in a Council of Foreign Ministers to deal with the European peace. Prexident Truman then stated he desired to make a state- ment with regard to our policy toward Germany. (1) He thought that the Control Council should commence to function immediately in accordance with the agreement already enered into. For this purpose he was submitting for their consideration a draft containing the principles which should be followed by the Control Council in the administration of Germany. Mr. Churchill indicated that he had not had a chance to read the draft agreement and he would like to do so before the matter was referred to the foreign secretaries. -1-