The work to be done on Germany may well follow with some important modifications that already began last Spring. Two types of memoranda were then prepared — (1) a memorandum describing at some length the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers. This has now been brought up to date following the recent Conference. (2) Part of the material was provided on the assumption that Canada might be taking some part in the Peace Conference on Germany. It was decided not to follow the same arrangement as that in the case of the Paris Conference but rather to prepare a number of studies on individual questions of major interest. Such memoranda would not be divided between factual material and instructions but contain in them points of view which would guide the Delegation, both in understanding the subject and taking a useful part in the discussions. The only memorandum that was finished was that on the future constitution of Germany. That needs bringing up to date in respect of local administration.

2. Given the changed situation in regard to a Peace Conference and the possibility of a divided Germany, the line of approach should begin with the possibility of that division. In view of the fact that the German question may come up in the United Nations or in connection with the European Relief Plan, it still seems necessary to have material ready apart even from the normal requirement of a study of a foreign situation in the department. The following individual studies might be undertaken:

(I) A strategic appreciation. This is already provided for.

(2) The economic situation in Germany showing the resources and probable productive capacity of the Soviet Zone, the United Kingdom and the United States zones together, and perhaps the French zone separately. The memorandum should also treat each zone in relation to the Eastern or Western powers with which it would be associated.

(3) The political tendencies in the Eastern and in the Western zones, stressing the character and power of the various parties. To this might be added whatever information can be obtained, showing their views on domestic and foreign questions.

(4) Territorial questions. Instead of only examining the various claims on former German territory as was first intended, to this should now be added an examination of the present boundary between the Soviet and Western zone, and whether the territorial claims of the Powers would be affected by the division of Germany. This, of course, relates to their changed interest in a balance of power on the assumption that Germany was to remain divided.

3. It might be useful, since these memoranda will in detail go out of date, to maintain a rough working file into which notes for their amendment might be slipped. There are, of course, endless other subjects in connection with Germany which might be studied but the above appear to me to be the principal ones. They might, however, lead to a general analysis at some later date of Germany in relation to the balance of power. Into this would be incorporated material in the earlier studies and the whole might lead up to the suggested analytical memorandum. From this could be drawn a briefer note to be sent to Cabinet at whatever time it were needed.

4. This last memorandum, and possibly the earlier individual studies might usefully he sent to certain of the Missions with an account of the method of work in the department. Those Missions might be asked for their comments and should certainly be asked to keep the department informed on the views of the governments to which they are accredited on the German question. The Missions in Paris, London, Washington, Brussels and The Hague should all be able to supply a good deal. The Mission in Berlin might be now asked to pay more attention to analyses of the various subjects of interest at the expense of the individual items which they have been in the habit of sending.

5. A large amount of valuable material will be found in periodicals and other printed matter. The United Kingdom Basic Handbook on Germany provides the best source for reference on the situation up to about 1942.

G. DE T. G[LAZEBROOK]