Tripartite Naval Commission facts for kids

The Tripartite Naval Commission (TNC) was a special group created by three big countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union (USSR). Their main job was to decide how to share the German ships and submarines that were captured after World War II. France was not included in this group because the Soviet Union didn't want them to be.

What Was the Commission?

This commission was formed after a very important meeting called the Potsdam Conference. This meeting happened in Berlin, Germany, between July 17 and August 2, 1945. Leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union met there to plan what would happen after the war.

The Potsdam Agreement

During the Potsdam Conference, the leaders made an agreement. It said that the three countries would create the Tripartite Naval Commission. This group would suggest how to share the German warships. They also agreed that all the ships should be given to their new owners by February 15, 1946.

How the Commission Worked

The Tripartite Naval Commission started its work in Berlin on August 15, 1945. It was led by three important naval officers:

• Admiral Robert L. Ghormley for the United States.
• Admiral Sir Geoffrey Audley Miles for the United Kingdom.
• Admiral Gordey Levchenko for the Soviet Union.

Inspecting the Ships

The commission first created a smaller group called the Technical Sub-Committee. This sub-committee was in charge of making lists and suggestions for how to share the ships.

The Technical Sub-Committee then sent out teams called Inspection Parties. These teams were also known as Tripartite Naval Boards. Their job was to travel around and look at all the captured German ships and submarines. They had to decide which ships would be kept, how they would be shared among the three Allied countries, and what to do with the rest.

Where They Traveled

In the fall of 1945, these inspection teams visited many places. They went to the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Trinidad, and Norway. They also traveled to Poland and the Soviet Union. In each place, they carefully checked the surrendered ships and U-Boats. After their inspections, they recommended which ships should go to which of the three Allied nations.