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

800.515/7–2545: Telegram

No. 993
The Representative on the Allied Commission on Reparations (Pauley) to the Minister in Sweden (Johnson)¹

confidential

Babelsberg, July 25, 1945.

Victory 286. From Ambassador E. W. Pauley Tripartite Conference Victory 286 to American Legation Stockholm: information to AmLegations [sic] Paris, London, Lisbon, Madrid, Bern, AGWar for SecState.

There is presently under consideration at Berlin Conference proposal for declaration of power over German external assets, whose issuance in near future however seems doubtful. Reurtel giving reaction Rubin’s telegram July 19.² Draft decree vesting in agency operating within framework of ACC all right, title and interest in German external assets also under consideration.³ As decree now stands it would automatically vest such interest, and would be exercise of its power to vest by ACC. Text of proposed decree being sent Legation by pouch. Proposed to turn decree over to US Group CC for consideration and presentation to other ACC members.

Necessity for some formal action establishing right of Allied governments to supervise and control important German external properties, especially in countries like Spain, Portugal and Switzerland, makes exercise of vesting power desirable.

This telegram cleared with Clayton.

1. Printed from the text received in the Department of State.
2. Not printed.
3. See the attachment to document No. 1003.