Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON January 29, 1947 SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS COUNCIL OF We have informed our Deputy in London that we do not FOREIGN MINISTERS feel that at this stage we should bind ourselves to a procedure for a German settlement so closely parallel- ing the procedure followed for the satellite treaties. We also believe that the important first step in a German settlement is to reach Allied agreement with regard to the future pattern or "political organization" of Germany rather than a decision at this time that there should be a peace treaty. The most recent outline of Soviet views contemplates a traditional form of peace treaty. The French and British Deputies have reserved their opinions on this question. Bidault has informed Caffery that he expects very little from the meetings of the deputies in London. He said that from France's point of view he is extremely pessimistic about the Moscow Con- ference and is fearful lest the Soviets have their way all along the line and make great strides towards the setting up of a central government in Germany under their dominance. Caffery believes Bidault is not altogether sincere about this and is mainly apprehensive that France will get nowhere with her suggestions for governing Germany and her plans for the Ruhr and the Rhineland. If the Soviet Deputy insists on the inclusion of a reference in the Austrian treaty to Austria's responsibility in the war, we have suggested to General Clark the following wording: "Whereas the Austrian people (or Austria) bear a responsibility for participation in the war as a part of Hitlerite Germany and account has been taken of Austria's own con- tribution to her liberation... II AUSTRALIA The Australian Government has given preliminary study to questions involved in the settlement with Japan and has informed our Embassy that it is ready at any time to enter into explor- atory discussions with the US. FRANCE Bidault has informed Caffery that the new French Gov- ernment is not getting off to a very good start due to the intransigence of the Communist Ministers who are already fighting the other Ministers at every step. DECLASSIFIED === E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 State Dept. Guideline, June 12, 1979 By NLT-HC NARS, Date 11-12-10