COMMENTS ON MURPHY CABLE OF OCTOBER 17           
 
 
The proposed PWD directive, as reported by Mr. Murphy, sets forth broad aims which, taken 
individually, are perhaps defensible.  Taken together and worked as they are, however, they 
provide the basis for a propaganda campaign which might be too conciliatory and ingratiating.  The 
following points seem pertinent:
 
 
1.  There is a danger that the proposed PWD directive, in the form reported by Mr. Murphy, would 
result in appeals to the Germans, which we do not want in any form.  
 
 
2.  The PWD suggestion that the military government fears that conditions might be worse for the 
German population under military government than under the Nazis is open to grave question.  
Certainly the Allies will not under military government expect to provide for the German people 
in defeat BETTER food and employment conditions than they enjoyed under their own government, and 
when they lived off food looted from other countries of Europe and had jobs making implements of 
war.  The liberated countries of Europe would understandably resent any program which seemed to 
promise the Germans better treatment than the liberated peoples are getting.
 
 
3.  By giving the Germans the reassurance proposed by PWD, the Allies would be putting themselves 
on a spot.  The Nazis seem intent upon creating chaos in Germany; food looted by the Nazis in 
other European countries will soon be unavailable, and shortages are inevitable.  If we gave 
assurances and failed to make good, the average German's wrath which otherwise might be directed 
at the Nazis would be deflected to the Allies.  
 
 
4.  The proposal that we maintain a "wall of silence," except for straight news to the Germans 
seems impracticable.  It also seems undesirable, since there will be propaganda points which we 
should hammer home to the Germans.
 
 
It is suggested that the directive should be altered and should follow the general tone stated 
by President Roosevelt in his address of October 22, 1944, as follows: 
 
 
"As for Germany, that tragic nation which has sown the wind and is now reaping the whirlwind--we and our allies are entirely 
agreed that we shall not bargain with the Nazi conspirators, or leave them a shred of control--
open or secret--of the instruments of government.