740.00119 Council/9–1945: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at London
8200. Secdel77 85. Reference Praha’s telegram 49, Sep 14, to London78 marked for personal attention of Secretary.
Dept is inclined to adopt line of action recommended by Beneš in his conversation with Steinhardt. We do not foresee any difficulties in obtaining quickly from the War Department, which is urging an immediate withdrawal, a precise plan for withdrawing of American forces from Zecho. We agree with Beneš that any such approach to the Soviet Govt should be brought to the personal attention of Stalin. This could be accomplished by a message from the President to Stalin which would be submitted to you for approval before transmission to the White House.
To pursue this line of action effectively, however, it is essential that publicity be assured in the event of Soviet refusal to withdraw, or in the event of Soviet delaying tactics which would have the same effect. The purpose of keeping American troops in Zecho is to effect, if possible, a simultaneous and complete withdrawal of both American and Soviet forces. Military information received only yesterday indicates that the number of Soviet troops in Zecho is more likely to be increased than decreased during the winter. We are furthermore skeptical that the few American divisions now in Zecho will influence a Soviet decision to withdraw. If American forces are withdrawn without concurrent Russian withdrawal, which now seems likely, or without publicity on our effort to obtain complete withdrawal of all forces, the whole purpose of the retention of American troops in Zecho will be lost.
Please advise if you concur in this course of action.