10. Telegram From the Commander, United States Forces in Austria (Arnold) to the Department of Defense1
P 1190. Sent action OSD for Gray and State Department. Reference 989201.2 Ambassador and I consider that under circumstances would be best to retain remainder of stockpile A in Italy until July 56. Although probably possible arrange for storage under nominal US control, not believed possible for US personnel carry out security arrangements. Moreover retaining stockpile in Italy would give far greater bargaining power and increased ability to influence formation [Page 21] of Austrian Army. In view modest Austrian Army budget for first year no great need for this equipment before July 56. Should need arise could always consider earlier transfer. Signed Arnold.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 763.5–MSP/9–2755. Secret; Priority. Also sent to the Department of State. The source text is the Department of State copy.↩
- This telegram asked for Arnold’s and Thompson’s comments on transferring the remainder of Stockpile A to Austria under U.S. control until July 1956 at which time a Presidential determination could be made to give it to Austria. (Department of Defense Files)↩