CFM Files: Lot M–88: Box 118: File—TRI Documents
Paper Agreed Upon by the London Conference on Germany1
TRI/20 (Final)
Provisional Territorial Arrangements
A Working Party shall be set up consisting of representatives of the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The Working Party shall conclude its report and recommendations as soon as possible and in any case in sufficient time to allow the Governments concerned to reach decisions on these recommendations before the 1st September.
The Working Party shall make a preliminary study of any proposals which may be put forward for the adjustment of the present western frontiers of Germany and shall only examine and report on those proposals which involve no appreciable loss to the German economy and which, being of a minor character only, can be regarded as desirable to eliminate local anomalies and improve communications.
It is understood that the recommendations of the Working Party shall be confined to provisional readjustments which shall be subject to confirmation or modification by the terms of the final settlement with Germany and that such recommendations shall not be regarded as commitments on Governments, either as regards provisional acceptance or support at the final settlement.
The Working Party shall in addition examine and report on the boundaries of the Saar.
Any decisions reached by the Governments on the basis of the Working Party’s recommendations shall be provisionally implemented without delay.
[Page 289]The establishment of this Working Party shall be without prejudice to the rights of the Governments concerned to raise their economic and territorial claims at a later date and (at any rate before the final settlement with Germany.
The existence and terms of reference of this Working Party shall remain secret.