Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Germany and Austria, Volume II

CFM Files: Lot M–88: Box 118: File—TRI Documents

Paper Agreed Upon by the London Conference on Germany¹

top secret

Report on Security

The United States, French, Benelux and United Kingdom Delegations agreed to submit the following report to their Governments:

general provisions

(1) Military Occupation

It was agreed that the occupation of Germany should continue for a long period of time. During this period it was further agreed that there should be no general withdrawal of the forces of occupation of the United States, France or the United Kingdom without prior consultation among these Governments.

The United States Delegation has been authorised to reiterate the assurance given by the United States Government that United States occupation forces in Germany will remain until the peace is secured in Europe.

(2) Consultation

It was agreed that the Governments concerned should consult if any of them should consider that there was danger of resurgence of German military power or of the adoption by Germany of a policy of aggression.

measures during the period in which the occupying powers retain supreme authority in germany

(1) Demilitarisation

It was agreed that the prohibitions on the German armed forces and the German General Staff as contained in Four Power agreements should be maintained.

(2) International Control of the Ruhr

Agreed recommendations on this are being submitted to the Governments concerned.

(3) Disarmament and Control of Industry

(i) It was agreed that the Military Governors should exercise controls with respect to disarmament and demilitarisation, level of industry and certain aspects of scientific research.

(ii) As regards prohibited industries, it was agreed to ask the Military Governors to establish a Working Party with the following terms of reference:

To consider the industries described as “prohibited industries” and “restricted industries” in the quadripartite Plan for Reparations and the Level of Post-War German Economy (March 1946) and the Revised Plan for Level of Industry in the U.K./U.S. Zones of Germany (August 1947), and to submit a report not later than 1st September.

(a) defining the industries which should remain prohibited,

(b) stating the amount of productive capacity in the three Western Zones which should be retained in those formerly “prohibited industries” which should henceforth be restricted only,

(c) making recommendations as to the manner in which any decisions reached tinder (a) and (b) above may be revised.

(iii) As regards any restrictions on the level of industry contained in the revised plan for the Level of Industry in the U.S./U.K. Zones of Germany and in a French plan which will be established, it was agreed that any changes which may be made without the unanimous consent of the three Military Governors shall be referred to the Governments prior to putting them into effect.

(4) Inspection and Enforcement

1. A Military Security Board for the Western Zones of Germany will be set up by the Military Governors in order to ensure the maintenance of disarmament and demilitarisation in the interests of security.

2. The Board will consist of members of the Armed Forces and of industrial experts of the three Western Occupying Powers. Its members will be nominated by, and be responsible to, the respective Military Governors.

3. The Board’s responsibilities will cover the whole field of disarmament and demilitarisation. In particular the Board will advise the Military Governors on the maintenance and enforcement of disarmament and demilitarisation restrictions. It will carry out the appropriate inspections and will recommend to the Military Governors measures necessary to:

(a) prevent the revival of military or para-military organisations;

(b) ensure that there shall be no manufacture or import of any arms, war materials or any other materials or equipment which are or may be prohibited;

(c) prevent the infringement by the German authorities of restrictions in respect of certain industries;

(d) ensure that any military buildings or structures or any factories capable of producing armaments which may be retained are used for peaceful purposes only;

(e) ensure that scientific research is not directed to warlike ends;

(f) ensure that as to the construction and operation of merchant shipping and the operation of civil airlines, no war potential is created.

4. On receipt of such recommendations the Military Governors will determine by majority vote what action should be taken. In the event of disagreement between the Military Governors any of them may refer the matter to his Government.

measures after the period in which the occupying powers retain supreme authority in germany

(1) Demilitarisation, Disarmament and Control of Industry and Occupation of Key Areas

It was agreed that Germany must not again be permitted to become an aggressive power and that prior to the general withdrawal of the forces of occupation agreement will be reached among the governments concerned with respect to the necessary measures of demilitarisation, disarmament and control of industry and with respect to occupation of key areas.

(2) International Control of the Ruhr

It was agreed that control of the Ruhr should be maintained in accordance with the agreed recommendations which are being submitted to the Governments concerned.

(3) Inspection and Enforcement

It was agreed that there should be a system of inspection to ensure the maintenance of the agreed provisions of German disarmament and demilitarisation.

London, 26 May, 1948.

1. In telegram 2282, Delsec 1757, May 26, from London, not printed, Ambassador Douglas reported that this paper had been adopted by the Conference at a meeting on the morning of May 26. Douglas made clear to the Conference that the U.S. reserved its position on this paper subject to consideration of the entire work of the Conference. He also observed that American agreement to this paper had to be viewed in the light of the expressed interest of the United States in support of the security of Western Europe. (740.00119 Council/5–2648)

   This paper was Annex L to the Report of the London Conference on Germany, p. 309.