The Pittsburgh Press (April 15, 1944)
U.S. to occupy Southwest –
Spheres of control in post-war Germany drafted by ‘Big Three’
Eisenhower gets unprecedented authority over Europe in allied armistice plan
By John A. Parris, United Press staff writer
London, England –
Allied Advisory Commission plans for governing Germany under the post-war armistice were understood today to call for U.S. occupation of Bavaria, Wurttemberg and Saxony, comprising most of the Southwest Reich.
The framework of a strict Anglo-American-Russian military government for Germany after the defeat of the Nazis were understood to be almost complete after each of the Big Three had submitted proposals calculated to give Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower unprecedented authority over Europe.
Under the proposed plans, it was understood, Russia would occupy Germany up to the Oder, running through Silesia and to the North Sea at Stettin, while Britain would take over Northwest Germany.
All three Allied powers would participate in the occupation of Berlin, reliable reports of the planning by the Advisory Commission said.
The Rhineland would be under joint occupation by the United States and Britain.
The British proposals were understood to have suggested that the Americans occupy Austria, but Russia was said to have favored a three-way occupation.
The first suggestions to the Advisory Committee from Russia, Britain and the United States were submitted a month ago.
The first drafts of the British and Russian suggestions were understood to have been made, followed within a few days by those from the United States.