862.011/9–148: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
2213. Together with UK and French PolAds and representatives from MG and staff this mission, I attended today the opening session of the Parliamentary Council at Bonn. While no American officers were there in uniform, several UK and French and Belgian officers in uniform attended.
[Page 420]As the Department is aware the Parliamentary Council is composed of 65 members selected by the 11 western German states and divided according to following political party affiliations: CDU 27, SPD, 27; Democrats,1 5, Deutsche Party, 2; KPD 2 and Zentrum, 2.
In his address of greeting Minister President Karl Arnold of North Rhine–Westphalia emphasized new beginning of German statehood represented by Parliamentary Council even though, through no fault of Germans, the Soviet Zone, Polish administered territories and Saar could not yet participate. He stressed democratic origin and nature of Council and opportunity it has to give Germany provisional government to take place in family of nations. He turned over to Council preparatory work done by Ministers President and their representatives. Minister President Stock of Hesse then sketched out reconstitution of German Government under occupation from local and Land units through US Zone Laenderrat and UK Zonal Beirat to Bizonal Economic Council and this gathering. Stock said that while all previous stages had been accomplished as result of MG decisions, this one stemmed from agreement of Germans with the MG after Allied Governments at London had provided framework within which Germans could act. Stock rejected and threw back all charges of splitting Germany, saying Germans from all areas where they could decide freely, including Berlin, were represented at Bonn.
The keynote of both Arnold and Stock speeches was the rebirth of Germany under a system of “freedom, law and peace” which would lead to the political, economic and social reconstruction of the German state. The basic law which it would be the duty of the Council to prepare should represent the first step toward eventual German unity. Germany had before it a long road of reconstruction, and Arnold spoke of the atonement yet to come.
After these speeches and orchestral interludes, Parliamentary Council moved to its permanent hall, newly repaired teachers college, where under the chairmanship of its oldest member, Schoenfelder (SPD, Hamburg), it constituted itself. CDU leader Konrad Adenauer was elected president and Schoenfelder first vice president, together with two other vice presidents, unopposed and all by acclamation, with the two Communist members abstaining.
Carlo Schmid for SPD faction then paid tribute to Berlin fight for freedom and introduced resolution to seat the 5 Berlin delegates in advisory role.2 This was greeted with enthusiastic applause and [Page 421] seconded by Anton Pfeiffer for CDU, center and democratic party factions who declared that CDU had independently prepared similar resolution. Before motion could be voted, Max Reimann (KPD) rose to point of order. He hysterically denounced Council for splitting Germany, branded it illegal and undemocratic, and said that its very meeting embarrassed the relations among occupying powers which the KPD was anxious to better. A delegate from the floor called out “You have neglected that for 3 years.” Reimann introduced resolution that Council should dissolve itself and let democratic party leaders contact Peoples Council to constitute truly national democratic constitutional assembly. Chairman proposed that with voting on Schmid resolution Council should be constituted under permanent officers. Reimann however angrily demanded and took floor amidst rising tempers, repeated his denunciations and insisted on immediate vote “to put the splittings on record”. His resolution was overwhelmingly defeated and Schmid resolution carried, both against two Communist votes.
Adenauer then took chair and gave brief ‘and dignified speech reiterating main points of Arnold and Stock speeches and asking Berlin delegates to take their seats. This mission’s delegates were obliged to return to Berlin at this point of debate. Communists wanted to read declaration but were instructed by Adenauer to wait until agenda was completed.
The proceedings were conducted earnestly and in dignified simplicity which augurs well for successful accomplishment of task of drafting German provisional constitutional act.
Sent Department as 2213; repeated London 554, Paris 568, Department pass Moscow 465.