The Allied Military Government Postal Service in Germany, 1945-1949.

Abstract

With the collapse of the German government in May 1945, the victorious Allied powers became the rulers of Cermany. It was necessary to take control of all aspects of civil government immediately. A vital part of this government was the postal system. The Allied Military Government set up the communication network needed in several steps, beginning with limited local services, and extending through special services until, on April 1, 1946, international mail was again permitted to and from Germany. This thesis traces this pattern of reestablishment. Local services and problems are examined, the special postal cards for displaced persons, civilian internees, prisoners of war, and members of the German Wehrmacht are explained, and the steps leading to the reopening of international mail are detailed. Close examination and attention is paid to the problems of censorship and screening of mail. The disposal of mail impounded at the end of the war and transfer of mail between the different occupation zones and how these challenges were met by censorship authorities are presented in detail. The repatriation of displaced persons, civilian internees, prisoner of war, armed forces personnel, and other refugees through special communication programs is traced step by step, with attention focused on the many aspects of these programs. Finally, an examination of the special problem of postal issues, authorized, provisional, and unauthorized, is presented. Several examples of stamps used during the occupation period are examined and their uses explained. In summary, a brief comparison of the Nazi Reichspost and the present Bundespost is made.