ABSTRACT
In the accelerating Cold War the Western Allies realised that if they wanted to successfully integrate at least parts of Germany into their sphere of influence, they had to do more than to establish a German administrative body under their control. The revival of economic life became the paramount task but also a task which would encounter massive difficulties. James F. Byrnes' speech was the first clear sign of a change in US policy and demonstrated American willingness to integrate at least parts of Germany into the Western sphere of influence in Europe. In terms of US foreign policy it was the last sign that Cold War considerations were now completely determining American thinking. Both the establishment of the Bank deutscher Länder and currency reform were vital pieces for the success of the European Recovery Program and the political aims behind it. The refugees were concentrated along the eastern border of the Anglo-American zone.
