740.00119 Council/5–1948: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
niact
1818. For Douglas (Eyes Only) from Lovett. Urtel 2165.1 State and Army consider participating Govts should hold to agreed time schedule for establishment provisional Govt in western Germany and we agree with the reasons you presented Massigli. So-called apparent softening of Sov policy does not permit conclusion that Sovs will cooperate in formulation of a German policy essential to needs of free countries of western Europe. We confirm view that risks of proceeding with establishment provisional Govt are less than risks of further delay. We strongly urge that if French insist on reservation re time schedule, conference should nevertheless proceed with completion of plans on form of provisional Govt and with conference work on other important matters so that positive results may be achieved at this session on substantive questions. [Lovett]