740.5/9–1250
The Chairman of the North Atlantic Council Defense Committee (Johnson) to the Chairman of the North Atlantic Council (Acheson)
DCM–24–50
Dear Mr. Chairman: I am in receipt of a letter from the Chairman of the North Atlantic Council Deputies, dated September 1, 1950, forwarding the replies to Council Deputies’ Document D–D/18 (Revised), as regards proposed increases in military forces readily available by 1 July 1951, for the defense of the North Atlantic Area. I agree with the Deputies that a military analysis as to the adequacy of the forces indicated in these replies should be initiated. I have to inform you that a quantitative analysis must await the consideration of the Military Committee meeting in October. Additional military reports are forthcoming which will permit a more detailed consideration of these proposals.
In view of the present stage of preparation of annual budgetary estimates by the majority of the North Atlantic Treaty governments, I desire to make certain recommendations which are concurred in by the Standing Group. Due to the shortness of time it is, of course, not practicable to consult on these proposals with my fellow members of the Defense Committee.
The demobilization of forces undertaken by the Western Democratic Allies after cessation of hostilities in World War II drastically reduced the defenses of all North Atlantic Treaty countries. For the last five years there has been no significant increase in the numerical strength of the armed forces of the North Atlantic governments. It is my personal opinion that such a course of action was consistent [Page 289] with our desire for peace and return to normalcy. However, those times are past. You are well aware of the present situation. Since the inauguration of the North Atlantic Treaty we have given much attention to the agreed need for increasing forces but so far little in the way of concrete results in the provision of these forces has been achieved. Viewed in this light the individual proposals by the various nations to an increase in their forces, to be achieved by 1st July, 1951, are most welcome as representing the first united positive step towards meeting the threatening situation.
The Military is now studying the final level of forces needed for an adequate defense of the North Atlantic Area. Based on this study it can then be said precisely whether these force increases may be considered adequate in the sense of being a sufficient step to a final goal. However, if these proposals are backed by the realistic determination of each government to create such forces, I would recommend that we accept these force increases with satisfaction as a forward step in the immediate improvement of our defenses.
It is not within the powers of the military establishments of each country to create these forces unless provisions are made by governments for the men, munitions and monies required. For each country’s listed increases there must be a corresponding action to man, equip and train these units. In the near future the Defense Committee will make specific recommendations for the creation of balanced and collective forces, for the arms that must be produced to provide them with the most modern weapons, for the finances that must be provided to equip and maintain these forces, and for the welding of these units into an integrated fighting force, although realizing that this will result in national sacrifices. Nevertheless the Standing Group would emphasize the urgent need that each country should proceed forthwith to fulfill its planned increases by July 1951 with the sure knowledge that its efforts will constitute a useful contribution towards the final requirement.
I recommend also that the Council take note of the forthcoming Defense and Military Committee meetings in October. I request that the Council recommend to governments that their representatives reach agreement at these meetings as to the planned major force levels to be achieved each year to meet the needs of adequate defense. We must reach such agreement at once without waiting for specific consideration of the financial capabilities necessary to implement the Medium Term Defense Plan. We must have a definite military recommendation as to what is needed in order that each government may move toward an agreed goal.