740.00119 Council/5–3148: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
218. Personal for Douglas. Following message sent today by General Clay to Draper repeated herewith for your information:
London conference will be concluded today. Proposals must be debated in French Assembly prior to formal approval by French Govt. Douglas believes and I concur fully that US approval should be granted and French Govt so notified prior to French Assembly debate to strengthen French Govt’s position. I understand State Dept desires to consult congressional leaders prior to formal approval. Urge this [Page 303] consultation be expedited to permit approval prior to French debate now scheduled for Tuesday of next week.
I also recommend Dept of Army indorsement of report to the congressional leaders if State Dept believes such indorsement helpful.
While, as you know, I have misgivings about any Ruhr control being in interest of peace, the final paper is as satisfactory as could be expected in obtaining tripartite agreement. Taken as a whole, the papers largely reflect US policy and therefore represent a real achievement on part of Ambassador Douglas. I think they are workable solutions which will be accepted in western Germany. Time is urgent in moving forward and a delay in approval could be disastrous politically and economically.
Hence, I urge full support of the papers without change and expedited approval by our Govt.
Sent London 218, repeated Dept 1258; Paris for Caffery 218; Moscow for Smith 200.