U.S. State Department (September 16, 1944)
Memorandum approved by the Combined Chiefs of Staff
Quebec, 16 September 1944
Top secret
CCS 320/27
Allocation of zones of occupation in Germany
Upon the collapse of organized resistance by the German Army the following subdivision of that part of Germany not allocated to the Soviet Government for disarmament, policing, and the preservation of order is acceptable from a military point of view by [to] the Combined Chiefs of Staff.
For disarmament, policing and preservation of order:
The British forces under a British Commander will occupy Germany west of the Rhine and east of the Rhine north of the line from Koblenz following the northern border of Hessen and Nassau to the border of the area allocated to the Soviet Government.
The forces of the United States under a United States Commander will occupy Germany east of the Rhine, south of the line Koblenz–northern border of Hessen–Nassau and west of the area allocated to the Soviet Government.
Control of the ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven, and the necessary staging areas in that immediate vicinity will be vested in the Commander of the American Zone.
American area to have in addition access through the western and northwestern seaports and passage through the British controlled area.
Accurate delineation of the above outlined British and American areas of control can be made at a later date.