This is the first of a series of studies undertaken by the Historical
Division dealing with tripartite relationships. Subsequent projects in
this field will cover the revision of the Occupation Statute, relations
between the Allied High Commission and the German Federal Govern-
ment, and related topics.

The purpose of this study is to present an historical analysis of the
events leading to the setting up of an Allied High Commission. to re-
view the principal facts concerned in its establishment on September 21.
1949, and to describe succinctly the development of its structure and
procedures during the first year. These developments are further
examined in relation to the revival of postwar German central ad-
ministrative agencies and the historical evolution of the Federal Re-
public of Germany.

Chapter I is comprised of a short survey of the factors contributing
to the establishment of the Allied High Commission. It emphasizes the
decisions of the London Deputy Foreign Ministers' Conference of 1948
and their implementation in the drafting of Western Germany's Basic
Law, the Occupation Statute, and the Charter of the Allied High
Commission.

Chapter II is devoted to the inauguration of the High Commission.
the appointment of the High Commissioners, the fulfillment by Ger-
many of prescribed prerequisites necessary to bring the Occupation
Statute and the High Commission Charter into operation, final tri-
partite preparations for the "take-over" from Military Government, and
the formal ceremony on September 21, 1949.

Other chapters present an analysis of the structure and procedures
of the High Commission. They deal with the Allied Council, the main
committees and sub-committees, the Allied General Secretariat, and
the relations with the German Government and with foreign powers.

A number of appendices are added in order to provide the texts of
the Occupation Statute, the Agreement as to Tripartite Controls, the
Charter of the Allied High Commission, and, although issued sub-
sequent to the period under consideration in this study, the Instrument
of Revision of the Charter or the Allied High Commission. In addition,
structure charts or the High Commission and the Allied General Secre-
tariat are included.

HAROLD ZINK, Chief Historian

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