860F.01/8–2545: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Czechoslovakia (Steinhardt)
182. As a result of plans for rapid demobilization and immediate reduction of occupation forces in Europe, CG USFET has proposed [Page 486] to War Department that US forces in Zecho be withdrawn now.67 War Department desires withdrawal from Zecho but recognizes that decision is political and will follow Dept’s decision at least for immediate future. At request of Dept, War Department will send inquiry to CG USFET whether occupation forces can be reduced elsewhere in order to maintain US force in Zecho.
Dept recognizes that US forces cannot be maintained in Zecho for an indefinite period. While Dept may be able to delay immediate action, withdrawal of forces will become an urgent problem in immediate future. Dept will not propose to Soviets that complete and simultaneous withdrawal be made (urtel 262, Aug 25) but considers that request should be made by Zecho Govt.
Sent to Praha as 182; repeated to USPolAd,68 Berlin as 386.
Dept would appreciate your comments.
- The proposal for the withdrawal of troops from Czechoslovakia, which was set forth in a telegram from General Eisenhower to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, dated August 30, was referred to the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee for consideration on September 4, 1945.↩
- United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy).↩