Memorandum from Acting Secretary of State Joseph Grew to President Harry S. Truman, Current Foreign Developments

DECLASSIFIED TOD SECRET E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) Dept. of State letter, `Aug. 10, 1972 BYALTH-NC MARS Date 6.26.75 May 19, 1945 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Current Foreim Develormenta Soviet Reply Regarding Reparations Cominsion. The Soviet Governnent has replied to an Americen note regarding the composition and work of the Reparations Commission. It stated that Frence eannot be included in the Commission unless Poland and Yugoslavia are permitted places. However, the Soviet Government, in view of the urgent nature of the work of the Commission, proposes that it begin its deliberations on a tripartite basis. The Commission could be reorganized if negotia- tions regarding its composition aucceed. Upon the receipt of the Soviet reply the Amerionn Charge stated that we wore prepared to bagin discussions on a tri- partite basis. During a discussion of this matter Maisky of the Soviet Foreign Office stated that a visit to Germany by the members of the Commission would hardly be advantageous prior to the beginning of reperations discussions although such a visit might be desirable at a later date. The Charge informed Maisky that RCHDES Messra. Pauley and Lubin would moke their own tour in any event. Re CONTY V Yuroslay Activities in Corinthia, On May 17 Field Marshal Alexander telegraphed personally to Eisenhower regarding the deterioration of the situation in the