Excerpts from the Protocol of the Proceedings of the Yalta (Crimea) Conference (February 11, 1945) The supplementary protocol of the Yalta Conference, which was signed by the foreign ministers of the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, called for the establishment of a committee to deliberate on Germany’s long-term “dismemberment.” The Allies had different positions on this issue. The protocol also called for the establishment of a French occupation zone, which was to be comprised of portions of the British and American zones. Additionally, France was invited to become a member of the Allied Control Council. Although Great Britain wished to alter the already agreed-upon border between the Western zones and the Soviet occupation zone – to the disadvantage of the latter – this proposed change proved impossible to push through. Germany’s reparations were spelled out in detail: the initial amount was set at 20 billion dollars, to be paid through the confiscation of German assets and the dismantling of armaments factories, the delivery of goods, and the use of German labor for the benefit of the Allies. Half of the reparations were to go to the Soviet Union.
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page 1 of 3 The Crimea Conference of the Heads of the Governments of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which took place from the 4th to 11th February, came to the following conclusions. [ . . . ] III. Dismemberment of Germany It was agreed that Article 12 (a) of the Surrender Terms for Germany should be amended to read as follows: The United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics shall possess supreme authority with respect to Germany. In the exercise of such authority they will take such steps, including the complete disarmament, demilitarisation and dismemberment of Germany as they deem requisite for future peace and security. The study of the procedure for the dismemberment of Germany was referred to a Committee, consisting of Mr. Eden (Chairman), Mr. Winant and Mr. Gousev. This body would consider the desirability of associating with it a French representative. IV. Zone of Occupation for the French and Control Council for Germany It was agreed that a zone in Germany, to be occupied by the French Forces, should be allocated to France. This zone would be formed out of the British and American zones and its extent would be settled by the British and Americans in consultation with the French Provisional Government. It was also agreed that the French Provisional Government should be invited to become a member of the Allied Control Council for Germany.
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