740.5/10–2853: Telegram
The United States Permanent Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Hughes) to the Department of State 1
Polto 686. Cotel. Reference: Topol 409.2 Subject: Statement in NAC re possible withdrawal US NATO troops from NATO area.
US representative referred to numerous press stories in past week relating to possible withdrawal US troops. He added while in Washington he had noted these stories and was surprised by them in that they were at variance with views in official circles and apparently based on misinterpretation of an October 19 press conference.3 Careful reading of minutes this conference indicated headlines not justified. He had copies of pertinent portion of press conference minutes, which he would be glad to make available to any colleagues interested.
He was indeed glad to state that when he saw the President he was authorized by the President to say to Council:
- (1)
- There was, of course, no lessening of US interest in NATO;
- (2)
- The US does not contemplate any withdrawal of US troops under NATO command; and (3) NATO continues to be keystone of Western European defense in US strategic planning.4
French representative thanked US representative for statement which confirmed there was no question of withdrawal forces. He stated his government was not concerned about this, but about modification of military program contemplated in 54 now under AR consideration, and changes in future planning.
US representative replied he thought it best not discuss this phase of matter at NAC meeting, since subject was currently under discussion in AR exercise.
Ismay also expressed deep appreciation for assurances given by US representative and inquired whether he could be authorized make [Page 448] statement at press conference in afternoon after NAC meeting. Later US representative and Ismay discussed matter and agreed that Ismay would take initiative at press conference by referring to press articles on reported withdrawal US forces, make reference to Secretary’s statement October 275 and state that US representative had advised council that morning along lines paragraph 2 above stating these views represented position US Government. Ismay would not mention that US representative had seen President or that these views came from him.
- Repeated to London.↩
- Not printed; in it Hughes was authorized by President Eisenhower to clarify the U.S. position on its troops assigned to Europe by reaffirming its intention to maintain troop strength at its present level. (740.5/10–2253)↩
- At a press conference on Oct. 19 Secretary Wilson had discussed the question of troop levels in Europe and stated that new weapons would affect the capabilities of NATO and might lead to reduced manpower requirements. On Oct. 22 Martin reported from Paris that this had been quoted in the Paris edition of the New York Herald Tribune as a statement that new weapons would lead to a substantial reduction in U.S. troops stationed in Europe. (Telegram Polto 628; 740.5/10–2253)↩
- President Eisenhower at his press conference on Oct. 28 had responded along similar lines to a question about the reduction of the number of U.S. troops stationed abroad. The substance of his remarks was transmitted to Paris in telegram Topol 437, Oct. 28 (740.5/10–2753). Under Secretary of State Smith had also replied along these lines in a conversation with Ambassador Bonnet on Oct. 23. (Memorandum of conversation by Vass, Oct. 23; 740.5/10–2353)↩
-
In press release 601, Oct. 27, Secretary Dulles had stated:
↩“There is no change whatsoever in that respect, and there is no contemplated withdrawal of the United States forces from Europe. I have said that in substance before. I am very glad to reiterate it, because there seems to be quite a spate of rumors to the effect that we are contemplating a withdrawal of our troops. There is no such withdrawal in contemplation.” (Department of State Bulletin, Nov. 9, 1953, p. 632)