HALF OF GERMANY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 8 June 1945, Page 5

HALF OF GERMANY

RUSSIAN OCCUPATION ZONE PUBLISHED LINlf OF DEMARCATION AGREEMENT AMONG ALLIES (Rec. 11.40 a.m.) London, June 7. Publication in Moscow of the details of the Russian occupation zone in Germany has been interpreted in some quarters as a surprise move and that te fact that Russia will occupy half ermany represents some departure from Allied planning, says Reuter’s diplomatic correspondent. The fact is, however, that the published line of demarcation is simply that on which the Allies have agreed. Moreover, although the Russians may occupy roughly half the Reich it must be remembered that on a population basis the Russian zone represents less than a quarter of the total of Germany. One pre-war estimate gives 15,000,000 and 55,000.000 as the respective populations of the Russian and Allied zones. The latter include the most densely populated and heavily industrialised areas of Germany. The only aspect of Moscow’s publication of the *"ch caused surprise in London was that it was a unilateral announcement whereas there had been general expectation that the delimitation zones would be published jointly by the European Advisory Council. One of the most interesting problems connected with the division of territory is that the overwhelming majority of German mouths to be fed are in the Western Allies’ zone. “Izvestia,” commenting on “The Times” reference to the “muddle” of occupation zpr.es, writes: “rerhaps h” ‘muddle’ ‘The Times’ has in mind that the British and Americans are still occupying part of the Russian zone.” “Izvestia” points out that the European Advisory Commission in London has not yet solved its own "muddle” of the division of the British, American and French zones. "The slowness in making decisions and implementing decisions already adopted causing alarm and fear throughout Europe which is giving ground for numerous malicious speculations,” concludes the paper. With regard to the Russian disclosure of the western limits of the Russian zone of occupation in Germany it is pointed out in London that territory at present occupied by troops of the Western Allies is held by them without prejudice to the agreed demarcations of occupation zones. The delineation of v/hat territories the British and Americans are finally to occupy is not being published for the present since final agreement on the French zone has not yet been reached. The French zone is to be carved out of that part of Germany which was originally allotted to Britain and America. FINAL SETTLEMENT DELAYED New York, June 6. French claims to Cologne and Frankfurt are reported to be delaying a final settlement of the occupation zones in western Germany, says the correspondent of the United Press of America in Washington. The Americans want Frankfurt as communications outlet and entry for American trops. The United States is maintaining her hold on Frankfurt for the time being by retaining SHAEF there. The British want Cologne in their zone, it is reported, contending that French occupation would impair Belgium’s independence because the French would be interposed between German and Belgian territory. General de Gaulle argues that Cologne is essential for the future security of France. TJiere are also difference concerning the Ruhr Valley.