860F.01/8–2545: Telegram
The Ambassador in Czechoslovakia (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 26—1:30 p.m.]
262. I am entirely in accord with policy that US forces should not be withdrawn from Czechoslovakia other than simultaneously with and in proportion to Soviet withdrawal. From recent conversations with members Czechoslovak Govt I am satisfied that they do not desire withdrawal US forces from Czechoslovakia unless and until Soviet forces are withdrawn. In spite of public statements to contrary that have been made in the past or that may be made in the future by Fierlinger and others I am reasonably satisfied that the views expressed above reflect the desire of Beneš, Masaryk and most of members of Govt other than extreme radicals.
At luncheon yesterday with Masaryk he informed me that there are still 320,000 Soviet troops disturbed [distributed] throughout Czechoslovakia notwithstanding Stalin’s personal assurance that all Soviet forces would be withdrawn by July 20 other than “eight or nine” divisions along Czechoslovak German frontier. He said he was considering sending Svoboda, Minister of War, to Moscow to remind Stalin of his promise but that he would prefer Fierlinger go if he could be pursuaded to do so.
I am also in accord with the views of Dept and War Dept that a formal request for a civil affairs agreement by US would be politically embarrassing to the Czechoslovak desire for a simultaneous withdrawal and might lead the Soviets to assume that we plan to retain forces in Czechoslovakia for a protracted period. Furthermore relations between General Harmon and Czechoslovak officials with whom he has contact, as well as relations between General Harmon and the Embassy are so excellent that there is no longer either reason or necessity for a civil affairs agreement. All matters in this tripartite relationship have been and continue to be promptly disposed of on a cordial and cooperative basis without the slightest difficulty.