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

740.00119 Control (Germany)/12–748: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

secret

Washington, December 7, 1948—4 p. m.

4558. ToRuhr 19. Subject procedure casting Ger vote.

1. Matter considered further after initial discussion with Reinstein. No conflict apparent between Ruhrto 17 and Ruhrto 20.¹ In former UK reported have agreed that where JEIA procedure applicable to subject before IAR, JEIA voting procedure will govern casting Ger vote. Ruhrto 20 reports UK reservation re definition matters falling within JEIA formula. Understand Clay also prefers leave latter point be dealt with as cases arise. Dept agrees no need press for definition now or for decision how Ger vote be cast on matters not clearly within JEIA purview.

2. Recognize validity argument Germany should accede to statute before casting vote (para 5, Ruhrto 17). Yoti may however have noted negative view reportedly taken by Ger officials to Ruhr authority on grounds its being set up without Ger consultation and this reaction of course would be intensified by acceptance proposed Fr restrictive measures. If Brit and Fr consider Germany accession likely to be, obtained, we have no objection effort being made but would like point out need may arise at some later stage for seeking Ger views since otherwise Ruhr statute would be more in nature imposed instrument than peace treaty concerning which Ger comments would at least be heard.

3. Repeat Ruhrto 17 to Berlin.

4. Berlin: request Gen Clay’s views on foregoing for Lond and Dept.

Lovett

1. Neither telegram 5027, Ruhrto 17, November 27 nor telegram 5045, Ruhrto 20, November 30, from London is printed.