Memorandum from Acting Secretary of State James Webb to President Harry S. Truman
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OCR Page 1 of 4DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON
September 18, 1950
INTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Termination of State of War with Germany
It is being proposed at the Foreign Ministers meeting now in
session in New York that an announcement should be made of the inten-
tion of each of the Three Occupying Powers to proceed, as soon as
possible, in accordance with their constitutional procedures, with
necessary measures to terminate the state of war with Germany. It
will be expressly stated that this action does not in any way affect
the status of the occupation, which depends on the complete defeat
of Germany, the unconditional surrender and the assumption of supreme
authority, which is being retained. The declaration will expressly
recognize that the legal system of the United States is such that
action cannot be taken by it until some time next year, at which time
it is contemplated a Congressional resolution terminating the state
of war with Germany will be sought.
This subject has been discussed at the previous meetings of the
Foreign Ministers in Paris in November 1949 and in London in May of
this year. It must be considered as part of the general policy sup-
ported both by Great Britain and France and by this country of bring-
ing Western Germany progressively into the community of free nations
of Europe. This integration of Western Germany into the community of
free peoples of Europe will involve membership in international organ-
izations, establishment of consular and, in appropriate occasions,
diplomatic relations, and other steps to establish normal relation-
ships between the Federal Republic of Germany and the free world.
The termination of enemy status for Germany is essential for the full
accomplishment of these purposes.
The Department of State regards this policy as a. good one and
supports the proposed action with respect to the termination of the
state of war as an important part of the over-all policy of bringing
about closer cooperation in Europe.
The Department
DECLASSIFIED
Authority NLT- 82-18
STATE LTR. 12-1-&2
ARCHIVES SERVICE* RECORDS "NATIONAL AND
By He NLT Date 1-28-13
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