Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume IV

860F.01/9–445: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Czechoslovakia (Steinhardt)

Washington, September 11, 1945—2 p.m.

214. Urtel 306 Sep 4. USFET states, and the War Dept agrees, that two divisions constitute the minimum which can be maintained in Zecho without serious complications and that the choice must lie between maintaining two divisions or withdrawing completely. Since War Dept indicates that only a decision at a very high level will cause it to postpone complete withdrawal, I am today asking the Secretary’s approval to direct a letter to the Secretary of War urging him on political grounds to allow the retention of two divisions in Zecho, at least until we have been able to explore more thoroughly the possibility of simultaneous withdrawal of US and Soviet forces.

I should appreciate it if you would, in the light of this situation, transmit as soon as possible your estimate as to whether the Zecho Govt would at this time be willing and able to request US and Soviet Govts to effect a simultaneous withdrawal of our forces. You are authorized, if you believe it desirable, to inquire informally of the appropriate Zecho officials concerning the possibility of such a request being made at this time.

Should it appear that such a request is not likely to be made, the Dept proposes to consider the advisability of a direct approach by this Govt to the Soviet Govt with a view to seeking the latter’s agreement to a simultaneous withdrawal of forces on the grounds that the presence of Allied armies in Zecho is no longer necessary and is inconsistent with the fact that Zecho is a member of the United Nations and possesses a Govt recognized by the US and USSR which is capable of maintaining order within its national frontiers. Should the Soviet Govt not accede to this proposal we would be in a position to state at the time it became necessary to complete our withdrawal from Zecho that we had endeavored without success to arrange that all Allied forces be withdrawn simultaneously. Your views in regard to such a direct approach to the Soviet Govt would also be appreciated.

Sent to Praha as 214; repeated to Moscow as 1991; repeated to USPolAd, Berlin, as 439; repeated to London as 7798.⁷²

Acheson

72. Repeated to London with the following additional message for the Secretary of State, then in London for the first session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, September 11–October 2, 1945:

    “Do you approve my asking the War Department to postpone departure of last two divisions from Zecho until we have made an effort to obtain Soviet agreement to simultaneous withdrawal of both our forces. This is in accordance Beneš’ confidential request of us some time ago.”

    For documentation regarding the first session of the Council of Foreign Ministers at London, see vol. ii, pp. 99 ff.