860F.01/9–745
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of “War (Stimson)75
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I am informed that USFET has recently recommended that, with a view to expediting the reduction of United States military forces in Europe, the forces now in Czechoslovakia, which number I understand approximately three divisions, be withdrawn at once. I am, of course, most sympathetic to the prompt return to the United States of as many of our troops as possible but there are certain important political considerations in this particular instance which prompt me to urge that the complete withdrawal of our forces from Czechoslovakia be postponed.
As you are aware, the presence of our troops in Czechoslovakia has been welcomed by the populace and Government as the most concrete and telling evidence possible of our interest in the restoration of stable and democratic conditions in Czechoslovakia during this critical period of transition. This manifestation of our interest likewise has an important political effect in other countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Further important factors are: (1) The presence in Czechoslovakia of large numbers of Soviet troops which, although the Soviet Government has on several occasions expressed its intention to expedite their withdrawal, still remain, and (2) the imminence of elections in Czechoslovakia which may determine the degree to which that country is able to maintain a Government which is democratic and fully able to stand on its own feet, a result toward which both this Government and the Soviet Government are pledged to assist the liberated nations. Our objective is the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the country and the holding of fair and free elections.
Under these circumstances, I feel that immediate and total withdrawal of United States forces from Czechoslovakia might create the impression, however, erroneously, that the United States had disinterested itself in the affairs of this part of Europe. Ambassador Steinhardt informs me that this is the case and that our unilateral and complete withdrawal now might be a basic and upsetting factor in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
I recognize, of course, that the withdrawal of all of our forces from Czechoslovakia cannot and should not be delayed indefinitely, but I [Page 494] wish to urge most strongly that two divisions, which I understand are the minimum which USFET believes adequate to maintain our position there, be retained for the immediate future.
In the meantime, I intend to explore diligently the possibility of obtaining the agreement of the Soviet Government to a prompt and simultaneous withdrawal of all Allied forces from Czechoslovakia.
Sincerely yours,
- Circulated for the information of the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee as document SWNCC 184/1, dated 17 September, 1945.↩