62 STAT.] UNITED KINGDOM-OCCUPATION ZONES, GERMANY-DEC. 31, 1948 3645 Agreement between the United States of America and the United Kingdom December31, 1948 of Great Britain and Northern Ireland respecting economic fusion of IT. I.A.S . 1883] American and British Zones of Occupation in Germany, extending the agreement of December 2, 1946, as amended. Effected by exchange of notes signed at Washington December 31, 1948; entered into force December 31, 1948. The British Ambassador to the Secretary of State BRITISH EMBASSY, WASHINGTON, D. C. Ref. 90/137/48 December31, 1948. 12442 SIR, I have the honour to refer to the discussions which have taken place between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Government of the United States of America on the subject of the extension of the Agreement between the two Governments con- cerning the British and American Zones of Occupation in Germany. His Majesty's Government has had under consideration the ob- ligation assumed by the United States Government and His Maj- esty's Government in the United Kingdom under paragraph 11 (b) of the revised Fusion Agreement signed at Washington on December 17, 1947, to consult together before December 1, 1948 to consider p.61 tat'. Pt. 4 the terms and conditions of a new agreement. His Majesty's Government had hoped that it would be possible to replace the existing Fusion Agreement on January 1, 1949 by a new Agreement to which the French Government would be a party, providing for the economic fusion of the Three Western Zones of Occupation. It now seems clear, however, that until the now ar- rangements relating to Germany arising out of the six-power talks held last spring in London have matured, it would be desirable to extend the terms of the Bizonal Agreement, as amended, rather than attempt to negotiate a new agreement to include France. His Majesty's Government believe that extension of the agreement for a three-months' period with the understanding that it can sooner be terminated by mutual agreement, is a more practical arrangement in the circumstances than an attempt to conclude a Trizonal Fusion Agreement at this time. In these circumstances, I have the honour to submit the following proposals for the consideration of the United States Government:- (A) The Fusion Agreement, as amended by the Agreement p.6 Stat. Pt. 3, signed in Washington on December 17, 1947, shall be extended p631Stat., Pt. 4 to March 31, 1949, unless sooner terminated by mutual agreement
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