restore the district and provincial administrations, as well
as the Land administrations. The Potsdam conference deci-
sions contain no mention whatever of federalization of
Germany. At that time this question was not even dis-
cussed.
Today the situation is altogether different. Elections to
local self-government bodies have already been held through-
out the whole of Germany. Democratic parties, free trade
unions and other democratic organizations have appeared
and begun to function. In many of the Lands elections have
been held to the Landtags. It is presumed that elections to
the Landtags will soon be completed in all the Lands. In
this respect the decisions of the Potsdam conference have
on the whole been fulfilled successfully.
However, the Potsdam conference decisions also provid-
ed for the formation of several central German adminis-
trative departments. In this respect the Potsdam conference
decision has not been fulfilled, although the need for such
central German departments has long been felt.
Further postponement of the establishment of Ihese
central departments will prejudice first of all the imple-
mentation of the measures designed to achieve Germany's
economic unity. The Soviet Government therefore considers
that the establishment of the central German departments,
as well as the introduction of measures preparatory to
the establishment of a Provisional German Government,
brook no delay. This is dictated by the need properly to
carry out the economic and political measures of the
Allies throughout Germany. It is also required to ensure
the fulfilment by Germany of her obligations to the
Allies.
In accordance with the observations I have made, I
submit for the consideration of the Council of Foreign
Ministers the following proposals:
596