860F.51/11–2946: Telegram
The Ambassador in Czechoslovakia (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:23 p.m.]
1944. I have learned from reliable source that intensive steps are being taken at considerable cost to Czechoslovak Govt and notwithstanding anticipated budgetary deficit of 25 billion crowns for coming year to integrate Czechoslovakia within the military plans of Soviet Union. Banska Bystrica appears to have been selected as advance joint headquarters of Czechoslovak and Soviet armies.
As reported in my 1876 November 8,91 air fields in Slovakia are being enlarged to provide for largest type of modern aircraft, which Czechoslovaks do not possess. New underground cables and telephone wires are being installed from Czechoslovak-Soviet frontier to Banska. Bystrica. Radio stations at Zvolen and Banska Bystrica are undergoing alterations which when complete will double their capacity. Plans for new air field at Bratislava will make this field larger than international Ruzyn field in Prague. Work on underground factory near Obesovce in eastern Slovakia is continuing. According to my informant plans for complete integration of Czechoslovakia within Soviet military orbit are to be completed not later than 1949.
- Not printed.↩