795B.5/11–250
The Secretary of Defense (Marshall) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: In my letter to you of 25 October1 regarding a recommended reduction in the size of the Greek force to be deployed to Korea, it was mentioned that in view of the improved military situation in Korea, general reductions in forces to be deployed to Korea by member nations of the United Nations could now be made.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff have reviewed the present and projected participation in Korea of other United Nations’ ground forces, with [Page 1028] particular emphasis on reducing the logistic burden on the United States while retaining the political advantages that derive from the participation of as many United Nations members as possible in the collective action in Korea.
As a result of their review, the Joint Chiefs of Staff propose the following operational decisions, in which I concur, and which I consider to be in consonance with the conclusions reached at the Wake Island conference:
- A.
- Cancel the requirement for a Belgian infantry battalion.
- B.
- Establish requirement for only one Canadian infantry battalion in Korea; cancel the requirement for the remainder of the Canadian Special Brigade.
- C.
- Continue the requirement for the British 29th Group, now en route to Korea; terminate requirement for British 27th Brigade (from Hong Kong) upon the arrival of the 29th Brigade.
- D.
- Establish a requirement for only one Greek infantry battalion in Korea; cancel the requirement for the remainder of the Greek brigade.
- E.
- Cancel the requirement for the Netherlands infantry battalion now en route to Korea.
- F.
- Cancel the requirement for the New Zealand artillery battalion.
- G.
- Cancel the requirement for any additional Australian infantry units; retain the Australian infantry battalion now in Korea.
- H.
- Terminate the requirement for the British Marine Commando unit now in Korea.
- I.
- Continue the requirement for the Thai infantry battalion, now en route.
- J.
- Terminate the requirement for the Philippine Infantry battalion (or the major portion thereof), now in Korea, at the earliest opportune moment.
- K.
- Continue the requirement for the Turkish regimental combat team now in Korea.
- L.
- Cancel the requirement for the French infantry battalion.
- M.
- Continue the requirement for the Indian Hospital Unit now in preparation for embarkation at Calcutta.
- N.
- Retain the Swedish Hospital Unit in Korea.
- O.
- Cancel any requirement for Iranian and Italian medical units.
- P.
- Discontinue efforts to obtain contingents from Latin America, with the exception of the Colombian offer. I have been informed that negotiations with Colombia have proceeded so far that a cancellation of the Colombian offer at this time would be mutually embarrassing to both Governments. I therefore suggest that they be continued with a view to stimulating early Colombian participation in Korea.
Your agreement to the foregoing proposals is requested. If you agree, it is suggested that the Department of State obtain the concurrence of the foreign governments concerned in order that the necessary orders may be issued. The early implementation of these proposals will materially reduce expense both to the United States and to the foreign governments concerned.
[Page 1029]Attached for your assistance in evaluating these proposals and their implications are a tabular list of current and projected offers of assistance and a statement of the logistic aspects in each case.2
Faithfully yours,