C.F.M. Files: Lot M–88: Box 2079: CFM Documents

Proposal by the United States Delegation to the Council of Foreign Ministers42

secret
CFM(46) (NY)59

Limitation of European Occupational Forces

The approaching conclusion of treaties with the ex-satellite States calls for a consideration of the number and location of Allied occupation forces in Europe.

To further our common objective of restoring conditions of peace, it is proposed that agreed ceilings be placed upon the number of Allied occupation troops which may be retained in European countries after the conclusion of the treaties with the ex-satellite States.

For study and consideration by the Council the following ceilings are suggested for forces as of April 1, 1947, with the understanding that such ceilings will in the absence of unforeseen difficulties be reduced by 25 to 33⅓% by April 1, 1948. This is subject to such earlier withdrawal from Austria, Hungary and Rumania as may be required by the Austrian treaty.

[Page 1467]
Germany (Allied Occupation)
U.S. 140,000
U.K. 140,000
France 70,000 (approximate existing forces not subject to reduction in 1948)
U.S.S.R. 200,000
Poland (Protection of Communication Lines)
U.S.S.R. 20,000
Austria (Aid for re-establishment of Independence)
U.S., U.K., France and U.S.S.R. 10,000 each
Hungary (Protection of Communication Lines pending Austrian treaty.
U.S.S.R. 5,000
Rumania (Protection of Communication Lines pending Austrian treaty)
U.S.S.R. 5,000
  1. The text of this proposal was subsequently printed in the Department of State Bulletin, December 15, 1946, p. 1083.