Memorandum to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson

My dear Mr. Secretary: The following objectives to which a program of minimum required imports for Germany should contribute are laid down in principle No. 14 approved by the Foreign Ministers at the present Tripartite Conference: (a) to carry out programs of industrial disarma- ment and demilitarization, of reparations, and of approved exports and importx. (b) to assure the production and maintenance of goods and services required to meet the needs of the occupying forces and displaced persons in Germany and essential to maintain in Germany average living standards not exceeding the average of the standards of living of European countries. (European countries means all European countries excluding U.K. and U.S.S.F.) (c) to ensure in the manner determined by the Control Council the equitable distribution of essential commodities between the several zones so as to produce a balanced economy throughout Germany and reduce the need for imports. (d) to control German industry and all economic and financial international transactions, including exports and imports, with the aim of preventing Germany from developing a war potential and of schieving the other objectives named herein. The War Department is directed to assume procurement and initial financing responsibilities with respect to all imports into Germany for which the Government of the United States assumes responsibility in accordance with the above principles, whether or not an agreed program is formulated and carried out by the Control Council. The War Depart- ment, moreover, is directed to assume responsibility to the entire share of the United States of any combined financing which may be undertaken in concert with the occupying powers. TRENAN AND In accordance The Honorable 6s The Secretary of War.