Office of the Historian

860F.01/7–645: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (Klieforth)

Washington, July 9, 1945—6 p.m.

46. Urtel 64 July 6 and Deptel 41 July 6. For your secret information:

War Dept has agreed to Dept recommendation that US forces will remain in Zecho until further instructions after token withdrawal proportionate to Soviet as reported Urtel 46 June 29. SHAEF has instructed Twelfth Army Group to maintain existing line of demarcation with Soviet forces. US has no intention of making complete unilateral withdrawal at this time.

Note in Deptel 41 raises question of ultimate complete withdrawal of both armies from Zecho territory. If request for withdrawal of both armies should come from Zecho Govt, US will probably propose withdrawal be complete and simultaneous. Has Zecho Govt made any commitments under Soviet Mutual Assistance Pact or Civil Affairs Agreement on retention Soviet forces after official withdrawal to guard airfields and railroad junctions?

Dept approves suggestions urtel 64 and assures you all possible will be done to support our policy.

Please repeat to Hoechst for Murphy all messages of interest to US Commander.50

Grew
  1. This telegram was repeated to Hoechst for Murphy as No. 86; repeated to Moscow as No. 1590, July 12, 5 p.m.↩