840.20/7–2348
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to the Under Secretary of State (Lovett)
Memorandum for Mr. Lovett:
In an endeavor to ascertain the reason for Mr. Bevin’s sudden reversal of position and the character of the announcement made at the meeting of the Western Union representatives at the Hague, I explored the extent of information regarding the availability of our equipment which might have reached Bevin’s ears.
During June there were informal conversations between General Frank Festing, British Director of Weapons and Development, and General Aurand of the Army. They went over the entire problem of supplies from both the British and American status. The exploration was on a non-official, non-committing basis regarding the general problem of military equipment and support for Western Union armies.
Among the items discussed were the policy on equipping from US and British sources the nations of the Western Union, determination of existing military stocks of the Western Union countries, existing stocks of military equipment which might be applied to arming Western Union, supply build-up, dates of beginning and completion of program, exchange of date, and a number of other items.
One of the conclusions was, “In addition to consideration of stocks surplus to mobilization requirements, examination must be made of the extent that it might be necessary to issue from existing US and UK stocks in order to equip an immediate force in France, Belgium and Holland. An allocation of equipment from existing US and UK mobilization resources is desirable but decision as to provision of this equipment will depend on the international situation, the capability of effective employment and the existence of a will to resist.
“1. In general, a large proportion of the equipment considered will require rehabilitation prior to issue.”
Under the question of “Supply Build-Up”, the following discussion occurred: “Consideration must be given to the advisability of furnishing supplies to the Western Union nations piecemeal, resulting in a gradual build-up, as contrasted with one or more large shipments resulting in a sudden expansion of the fighting forces of the Western Union nations. The necessity for both technical and tactical training in the use of U.S. and U.K. equipment before a large shipment is made favors a gradual build-up, but a sudden build-up would be more favorable.”
[Page 200]Here is the most critical part of the matter: Under the title “Dates of Beginning and Completion of Program” the discussion resulted in this conclusion: “Since legislation and appropriation of funds are required for the implementation of a program, the estimated earliest date possible for the first shipment of supplies to the Western Union nations is 1 July 1949. Seasonable material strength might be accomplished by December 1952.” (This is a statement of joint position, British and American.)
General Aurand tells me that he did not give General Festing a detailed statement about the condition of our equipment and the complications of its rejuvenation to the extent he gave us day before yesterday; that the limitation date was first that depending upon legislation which was assumed to be dependent on the next meeting of Congress in January; and second, that the further limitation was the rapidity with which the French could be prepared to receive and handle this equipment. Festing felt that it would require a considerable period of time.
Aurand tells me that Festing thought the conclusions they had arrived at were very hopeful and far exceeded his expectations.