795B.5/8–951: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Australia
42. Deptel 311 May 31, 1951. Fol msg from Pres to Menzies delivered Austral Emb Aug 8:
“In your msg to me you outlined the considerations, which, in the opinion of the Govt of Austral, would make it difficult for you to double the Austral contribution to the UN ground forces without impairing your training program and your capacity to assist as planned in the defense of the Middle East. As a consequence of the increase in over-all global tensions resulting from Chinese-Commie participation in the Korean war it has been necessary for the nations [Page 797] of the free world to re-examine and accelerate their mobilization plans.
“The US Joint Chiefs of Staff recognize the mobilization responsibilities of Austral in the event of global war and are agreed that these responsibilities must have paramount consideration and that nothing should be done to impair Austral’s capabilities of mobilization. While endorsing this view, I would nevertheless stress the importance which we attach to the need for replacements and for the rotation of battle-weary troops. Furthermore there are obvious advantages, from a mobilization point of view, in obtaining a sizable group of troops trained in combined operations.
“We would urge, therefore, the desirability of the training of additional ground forces so that at least a brigade of Austral ground combat troops can be maintained in Korea. Even if hostilities shld be terminated, forces of UN members will continue to be required.
“I shld like again to express appreciation of the contribution which Austral is making in Korea and at the same time to pay tribute to the heroism of the Austral forces which have been engaged in the hostilities.
“With warm personal regards, Harry S. Truman.”
In response to question raised by Emb it was explained msg not intended as reaffirmation our request made immed after Austral election for additional troops Korea at this time. Msg suggested training additional troops so that in due course strength at least brigade could be maintained Korea.1
- On October 4, the Australian Government announced a contribution of an additional brigade of ground troops for the U.N. effort in Korea, thus doubling the Australian infantry forces already there, with the troops to arrive early in 1952. The U.S. Government immediately expressed its gratification at this announcement; see the Department of State Bulletin, October 15, 1951, p. 634.↩