October 27, 1944
 
PROPAGANDA TO GERMANY
 
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
 
 
     I am enclosing a paraphrase of a telegram received from Ambassador Murphy in regard to 
proposals made by the Chief of the Psychological Warfare Division of SHAEF for the issuance of a 
directive redefining the objects of Allied occupation in Germany.  I am also enclosing a 
memorandum which reflects the joint views of the Department of State, the War Department, and 
the Office of War Information concerning the various points raised by the Psychological Warfare 
Division.
 
     The total effect of these proposals, particularly those relating to food and employment in 
Germany, is considered to be dangerous.  They constitute in fact a commitment to the Germans which 
may be unwise not only from the point of view of infringement upon the principle of unconditional 
surrender but also because of the possibility that military considerations may make impossible 
the fulfillment of such a committment.  The department, the War Department, and the Office of War 
Information believe that these proposals can be so altered as to attain the basic objective 
without making committments of any sort.  Suggestions to this end are set forth in the attached 
memorandum.  Do you approve of the transmission to Ambassador Murphy of a telegram embodying the 
substance of these suggestions?
 
 
(signed) Edward Stettinius)
 
 
 
Enclosures: 1. Paraphrase of secret telegram no. 8842, October 17, from Ambassador Murphy, 
American Embassy, London.
 
2.  Copy of memoranum "Comments onMurphy Cable of October 17."