August 21, 1950
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION WITH THE PRESIDENT
Item No. 1 Termination of State of War with Germany
I said to the President that Mr. Webb had gained the impression that the president had some reservations about the wisdom of terminating the state of war with Germany, and that it would be very helpful to us to learn just what it was the President had in mind.
I explained that the present status of the matter was that a study group made up of British, French and US representatives was at work analyzing the difficulties which were created by the continuance of the state of war and the consequences of terminating it. I explained that we thought it probably impossible to have a treaty of peace with Western Germany, without raising very serious questions having to do with the division of Germany and the attitude of the Russians.
On the other hand, and in order to try to integrate Western Germany with the Western world, it seemed essential to get rid of the disabilities which the continuance of the state of war placed upon Germany and the Germans - question of German property, claims against Germany, business done by German firms, suits in courts - all of these things made it almost impossible to establish normal, friendly, and helpful relations.
The President said that what he wished to be sure about is that we all know where we are going in this study and in the action which might be taken in regard to it. There had been so much talk about re-arming Germany, which he thought quite impossible aside from the creation of an European Defense Force, that he did not want us to be starting on courses which we had not thought through. My explanation had reassured him, and he did not wish us to stop our work, but merely to be sure where each step might be taking us.
S:DA:be
August 21, 1950
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION WITH THE PRESIDENT
Item No. 2
MDAP HEARINGS
I DISCUSSED WITH THE President the possibility that these hearings might develop into a major political debate on foreign policy, and spoke about the importance of getting a unified administration position. I outlined what I thought that position might be along the lines which I discussed with Mr. Webb over the telephone. The President was pleased with this and thought that we should develop it.
In response to a question from me, he said that he was anxious to preserve the bi-partisan foreign policy approach, and that, although we should not be browbeaten and should stand up for what we have done vigorously, we ought not to go out of our way to create animosities.
S:DA:be