186. Telegram From the Embassy in Germany to the Department of State0

1576. Paris pass Thurston, USRO and CINCEUR. Subject: QuarlesStrauss discussion, Jan 21.1 After usual amenities Secretary Quarles initiated discussion by reporting US will meet all MC–70 goals, but that tight budget will require continuation low level grant military aid, that certain quarters in US felt pace of German buildup could be quickened. Sec Quarles stated that US has no plans to pull out its forces but it can reasonably be expected that they cannot remain here forever.

Min Strauss initiated his remarks with reference to helpfulness of MAAG and expressed hope that US units would remain in West Germany. He pointed out that both were useful in training the West German forces. Strauss said also that it was too bad that the French could not maintain their strength in Europe. Strauss then proceeded to raise cluster of problems revolving around central problem of release military information to FedRep. He expressed recognition much had been done recently but hoped that still more could be done and in this connection stated that FedRep would like to send to US in March or April small group officers and scientists, cleared for top secret, who could obtain desired information including top secret. He explained that this team could work into entire range of problems connected with German decisions to acquire more advanced weapons, particularly missiles and supersonic aircraft. He said on basis this group’s investigations he and his military planners could then determine which missiles best suited for German requirements. Also added that FedRep, either alone but preferably with European partners would like to institute real R&D program on these newer weapons, but that they wanted to start “from where you are now, so that we can avoid preliminary research that has already been done in US”.

Sec Quarles encouraged Min Strauss in any endeavors to secure needed information to make decisions and stated that he would give his attention to the making of proper arrangements. He encouraged them to move ahead on some of these second generation missiles (the lesser [Page 407] complicated ones) and expressed US desire to work with Fed Rep to this end.

[7 paragraph (7 lines of source text) not declassified]

Min Strauss proceeded by stating that Germany wanted to meet all of its MC–70 goals and to this end had increased its Nike Battalions to a total of six, three more to be added in the period of 1960–61. He stated that in addition they were planning a total of nine Hawk battalions, six of which would be integrated with the fixed Nike system, and three with three German corps. In response to his assertion that they were interested in ascertaining whether Hawk can be used on naval craft, Sec Quarles indicated that this would require a great deal of work but that he would welcome any effort the FedRep might make in this direction. Strauss indicated his interest in Mace and Sec Quarles discussed the merits of Mace types A and B at some length.

Min Strauss indicated his desire to have “instant and complete information” on the Sidewinder with a view not only to buying some but to producing it. He stated that the dimensions of this weapon were such that the WEU restrictions would not apply. He also expressed a desire to have information on certain radar systems for ground environment control.

Min Strauss then asked Sec Quarles to what extent the US was prepared to provide spare parts support to the German forces in the event of war. He asked whether if the war extended beyond 90 days or if the 90-day reserve stocks were knocked out early in combat whether the US would supply them or perhaps the FedRep should buy spare parts and store them in, for example, Spain or the US. Sec Quarles said he would look into the matter. Min Strauss then expressed his hope that the US would station some F–104 units in Europe. Sec Quarles agreed to consider it. Min Strauss asked if some arrangement could be worked out whereby German pilots could have combat training in US. Sec Quarles indicated that the US favored the maximum of training of GAF pilots in US schools. Strauss also hoped that the US Air Force would help German Air Force in the test of equipment involved in modification of the F–104. Sec Quarles indicated his appreciation that this was a tremendous problem and that when the technical team comes to the US both sides should be prepared to go into this problem at length.

[7 paragraph (8 lines of source text) not declassified]

In closing Minister Strauss indicated that as far as the Defense Ministry was concerned, they foresaw no financial troubles this year, next year or the following year.

Bruce
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 102.202/1–2359. Secret. Repeated to Paris.
  2. Highlights of Quarles’ discussions with European defense leaders during his trip through Western Europe January 8–29, based on official and informal reports received in the Department of State from Embassies, were contained in a memorandum from Merchant to Secretary Dulles, January 30. (ibid., 102.202/1–3059) See also Part 2, Document 283.