740.5/8–450: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State
Depto 38. US proposal re increased forces (Depto 391).
(1) Quotes first four paragraphs Council resolution 4/2.2
(2) Quotes standing group recommendation in paragraph 11 of its report.3
(3) Refers to emphasis placed by standing group representative at August 1 meeting4 on urgent start in increasing forces in being. Balance of proposal in form agreed by drafting committee reads:
“4. Council of Deputies, taking cognizance of previous resolutions of Council of Ministers concerning defense preparations and with full regard to existing international situation, convinced of necessity taking [Page 186] immediate measures to increase forces available for defense of North Atlantic area. Council of Deputies therefore recommend to the governments they should take immediate action to increase the total effective combat forces they now plan to have readily available on July 1, 1951. This recommendation is made as an interim measure to give early effect to military requirement that there be immediate increase in forces for defense of North Atlantic area. The specific measure involved is to begin at once, on the initiative each country achieving its first year’s augmentation of combat forces and are readily mobilizable envisaged as national contribution under the medium term defense plan to increase forces. [sic]5
5. To enable the deputies to take appropriate steps in furtherance of the foreign [foregoing] resolution, it is proposed that the Deputies take the further following action:
- (a)
- Each deputy requested report by 28 August to Council Deputies steps being taken, or presently planned to be taken, to increase his country’s total combat forces readily available, as regards number, equipment, training and, as as far as possible, location, for the defense of North Atlantic area over above those hitherto planned for first July 1951. Report should include an estimate of effective increase of military formations, and improvements in dates of availability, to be achieved by these measures. (It should also take into account necessity of internal defense.)
- (b)
- Chairman requested to consult with Chairman of Defense Committee with a view to obtaining recommendations as to action that the deputies might take to further the strengthening of defense forces.
- (c)
- Deputies will consider at a meeting before next meeting of Council of Ministers actions which they might take or further recommendations which might be made on this subject to Council of Ministers or to governments,”
Sent Department Depto 38, repeated info Paris 193, Hague 34, Brussels 34, Copenhagen 26, Oslo 20, Ottawa 11, Lisbon 16, Rome 48, Frankfort 115.