French Views On The Treatment Of Germany
 
General Observations
 
      A very considerable proportion of the French population- 
possibly a majority - still holds that some Germans
are not beyond salvation and that a purged and chastened
Germany must eventually regain an important position
Europe. The most consistent exponents of this viewpoint
have been the Socialists. However, the Socialists have            
few illusions about the Germans and regard a European
federation as primarily designed to keep Germany in check.
During the past year the attitude of the Socialists
has ahrdened on the German problem.
 
       The Communists, while generally avoiding comment on 
the German problem, have shown some tendency to distinguish
between "good" and "bad" Germans.
 
       The elements commonly referred to as Christian Demo-
crats are probably in accord with Foreign Minister Bidault
whose view has been that Germany should not be enslaved 
but should be rendered incapable of waging another war.
 
        General de Gaulle recently declared that for France, 
the German problem is "the center of the universe" and the 
country may be said to be unanimous in Germaning effective 
security measure. There is still considerable division
regarding the method of achieving the objective. Dis-
memberment has considerable support in political Conserva-
tive circles, and possibly among the rank and file of 
Frenchmen as well. The majority of prominent Frenchmen, 
however, appear to consider dismemberment impractical.
 
       Even those Frenchmen who outspokenly oppose dismember-
ment appear willing to see extensive territorial transfers
carried out. For instance, it is reliably reported transfers
General de Gaulle was disposed to approve the potential
cessation of Trans-Oder region to Poland. The separation
of Austria from Germany is also taken for granted and the 
Provisional Government is committed to the restoration of
the Sudetan areas to Czechoslovakia. Some sentiment has
been expressed for additional frontier rectification in
favor of the Czechoslovakians.
 
     The French agree that Germany, whether dismembered
or not, must be subjected to a long military occupation, 
coupled with rigid economic controls.  The exact nature of
 
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