Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference), 1945, Volume I

J. C. S. Files

No. 107
Memorandum by the United States Chiefs of Staff

top secret
C. C. S. 880/3

[Washington,] 28 June 1945.

Size of Military Staffs for Terminal

1. With reference to the memorandum by the Representatives of the British Chiefs of Staff of 25 June,¹ it is the opinion of the United States Chiefs of Staff that large military staffs should not be taken to Terminal and that detailed discussions which will involve the need for a large staff on the order of Octagon and Argonaut should not be engaged in at that place. The United States Chiefs of Staff have not proposed to take with them more than very small staffs. Their understanding of the agenda proposed to date is such that they believe it should be handled quickly and easily without need for any large accompanying staff at the meeting. It is their view that in general subjects involving detailed studies and consideration should be handled within the normal mechanism of the Combined Chiefs of Staff.

2. In case the understanding the British Chiefs of Staff have of the discussions to be engaged in is such as to require a considerable staff, the United States Chiefs of Staff would like to be informed on this matter in order that they may consider it further.

1. Document No. 100.