§ 89. Mr. Barstowasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has sent to the Soviet Government in reply to the latter's protest against the present Three Power Conference in London to discuss the question of Germany; and whether with a view to preventing a further widening of the gap between Great Britain and the U.S.S.R., His Majesty's Government will again consider the proposal made by M. Molotov on 12th December, 1947, respecting raising production in the Western zones of Germany to 70 per cent. of the 1938 level and M. Molotov's further proposal that 10 per cent. of current production should be made available for reparations to the U.S.S.R.
1948. Mr. McNeilAs to the first part of the Question, a reply was sent to the Soviet Ambassador on 23rd February. I will attach a copy of the text at the end of this answer. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Finsbury (Mr. Platts-Mills) on 16th February.
Following is the text referred to:
Foreign Office, S.W.I
rd February,
YOUR EXCELLENCY,
I have the honour to refer to Your Excellency's communication of 13th February, in which were conveyed certain observations of the Soviet Government upon the Press reports on a proposal by the Governments of Great Britain, the United States of America and France to convene a Conference on 19th February in London to discuss questions relating to Germany.His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have studied these observations with care, and have come to the conclusion that they cannot accept the validity of the Soviet Government's contention that the convocation of this Conference in London is a violation of the agreement regarding control machinery in Germany or of the Potsdam Agreement, neither 18W of which contains any provision excluding the possibility of discussion, by an, of the Occupying Powers, of problems of common interest such as are to be the subject of the coming talks in London.His Majesty's Government, through their accredited representatives in Germany, have consistently striven, since the end of hostilities, for the realisation of genuine unity in Germany as essential to the reconstruction of that country on a peaceful and democratic basis. That unity remains the objective of the policy of His Majesty's Government in Germany, but for reasons outside the control of His Majesty's Government and despite their consistent efforts, it has not yet been achieved. In fact, the opposition which the Soviet Government have continually shown to the working out of genuine economic unity, including the free movement and exchange of foodstuffs and industrial goods through Germany, has imposed a heavy burden upon their Allies. His Majesty's Government have repeatedly made it clear that they cannot allow this situation to continue. Conditions have arisen in the British Zone of occupation for the creation of which His Majesty's Government cannot accept responsibility but which they do not intend to ignore. His Majesty's Government in fulfilment of their obligations as an Occupying Power are determined to take all possible practicable steps to alleviate these conditions, in order that the peaceful recovery of Germany and Europe may not be prejudiced, and particularly that the situation shall not be allowed to lead to a lowering of the standard of life throughout Europe.His Majesty's Government are therefore surprised that the Soviet Government should have seen fit to protest against this attempt by the other Occupying Powers to solve, by consultation, the urgent problems facing them in the areas of Germany for which responsibility was assigned to them by reason of the occupation of Germany.I am, etc.,