Bohlen Collection
British Proposal on Reparations1
top secret
[Yalta, February 10,
1945.]
Basic Principles of Exaction of Reparation From Germany
- 1.
- The proportions in reparation allotted to the claimant countries shall be determined according to their respective contributions to the winning of the war and the degree of the material loss which they have suffered. Account shall be taken of deliveries made to the claimant countries by other enemy countries.
- 2.
- Reparation is to be exacted from Germany in the three
following forms:
- (a)
- Removals within two years from the surrender of Germany or the cessation of organized resistance from the national wealth of Germany located on the territory of Germany herself as well as outside her territory. These removals to be carried out chiefly for purpose of destroying the war potential of Germany. Subject to the fulfilment of these aims Germany’s industrial capacity will not be reduced to a point which would endanger the economic existence of Germany and the execution of such obligations as may be imposed on her.
- (b)
- Annual deliveries from current production for a period to be considered.
- (c)
- Use of German labor and lorry service.
- 3.
- In fixing the amount of reparation to be exacted under paragraph two above account shall be taken of any arrangements made for the dismemberment of Germany, the requirements of the occupying forces, and Germany’s need to acquire from time to time sufficient foreign currency from her exports to pay for her current imports and the pre-war claims of the United Nations on Germany.