740.00119 EW/12–1745: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 18—9:20 a.m.]
7214. From Angell No. 159. Reurtel for Angell No. 102, December 14.76 Believe entirely out of question that Conference will accept principle of final paragraph urtel, that ship losses should not be confined to those arising out of European war. Basic principle underlying consideration of claims submissions by all govts is that losses arising out of Japanese war are not to be taken into account by Paris Conference in allocating reparation from Germany. Principle suggested by WSA would reopen entire question of greater share which Australia, New Zealand, India, United States and other countries should receive in German reparation by reason of great contribution to Japanese war. Nor is it clear to me why it is impossible to calculate losses attributable to European as distinct from Far Eastern war. Unless immediately instructed otherwise, feel compelled to proceed on basis losses in German war.
I am negotiating other conditions made by WSA. Will keep Dept advised.77 [Angell.]
- See telegram 5874, December 14, 8 p.m., p. 1469.↩
- The question of inclusion of shipping losses in the Far Eastern war as a basis for reparation from Germany was not settled at the Paris Conference. The United States position was opposed by the British, French, Yugoslav, Dutch, Greek, Belgian, and Norwegian delegates. Ultimately, the matter was left to the disposition of the Special IARA Merchant Shipping Committee established in part I, article 5 of the Final Act (printed in Department of State Bulletin, January 27, 1946, p. 117. (740.00119EW/2–1846)↩