We would therefore urge that the department of State clarify this action, and would strongly recommend that assurances be given that no further shipments are contemplated.
Copies of this letter were sent to members of the American Commission for the Protection and Salvage of Artistic and Historic Monuments in War Areas.
The State Department replied on January 25:
My Dear Mr. Lee:
Your letter of January 15, urging the Department to clarify the action taken in removing to the United States certain works of art from German museums, has been received. In the absence of the Secretary, I am replying to your letter and am glad to give you additional information on this question.
The decision to remove these works of art to this country was made on the basis of a statement by General Clay that he did not have adequate facilities and personnel to safeguard German art treasures and that he could not undertake the responsibility of their proper care.
You indicated in your letter that you have been informed that adequate facilities and personnel now exist in the American zone for the protection of these art treasures. I must inform you that our information, based upon three separate investigations, is precisely to the contrary. The redeployment program has, as you no doubt realize, reduced American personnel in Germany and this reduction is applied to arts and monuments and this personnel as well as to other branches.
The coal situation in Germany is critical and has made it impossible to provide heat for the museums. General Clay cannot be expected to provide heat for the museums if that means taking it away from American forces, from hospitals, or from essential utility needs.
We are furthermore advised that the security situation was not such as to ensure adequate protection in Germany. In short, the Department’s information is such that it cannot agree with your premise.
It was realized that the “integrity of United States policy” might be questioned by some if these works of art were removed to this country. After a careful review of the facts, it was decided that the most important aspect was to safeguard these priceless treasures by bringing them to this country where they could be properly cared for. It was hoped that the President’s pledge that they would be returned to Germany would satisfy those who might be critical of this Government’s motives.