841.2365/8–2747
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of War (Royall)
Dear Mr. Secretary: As you are aware, the British Government informed this Department on July 30, 1947 of the British decision to withdraw their troops from Greece and Italy. A copy of the communication in which this information was conveyed has been furnished the War Department.
Since that time representations have been made to the British Foreign Secretary in the strongest possible terms urging that British troops be retained (a) in Greece until after final consideration of the Greek case by the Security Council and General Assembly and following that after realistic appraisal and full and frank exchange of views between the US and UK Governments and (b) in Italy until a study has been made of the status of our respective forces by the military authorities of both countries. The British Government has agreed that consultation should take place before withdrawal was definitely announced, but a further communication has now been received from Mr. Bevin, a copy of which is attached, stating that the British Government had decided to withdraw its troops from Greece in the autumn [Page 318] and from Italy by December 31. This would seem to indicate that although the British Government had been prepared to consult, it has now taken a decision to establish deadlines for withdrawal.
I should appreciate it if this matter could be referred to the US Joint Chiefs of Staff in order that they might study the military implications of such withdrawal and consult with the British Chiefs of Staff with a view to formulating positive military recommendations to both Governments. It might be helpful if they could explore the possibility of removing British forces of an even larger number than contemplated in the present British proposal from areas where their withdrawal would have less significant political consequences.
Upon receiving the views of the US Chiefs of Staff further representations can be made to the British Government.
In suggesting that this matter be referred to the Combined Chiefs of Staff the Secretary of State has asked me to make it clear that he does not accept either the premises or the categorical position taken by Mr. Bevin in his message.
With respect to the first and second paragraphs of this message his stated essentiality of British withdrawals by autumn cannot be reconciled with the drastically changed conditions that have occurred since March. The problem is far larger than the mere offset of British withdrawal by an increase in the Greek Army.
With respect to Italy our concern rests with the maintenance of at least a status quo in that area and not with the desire of the British Government to fulfill a pledge to itself which manifestly can have but little effect upon the solution of its present financial problems.
A similar communication has been addressed to the Secretary of the Navy.1
Sincerely yours,
- Dated August 27, not printed.↩