128. Letter From Secretary of Defense Gates to Secretary of State Herter0
Dear Mr. Secretary: At a recent meeting of the Quadripartite Germany-Berlin Working Group, the question of the size of the Allied garrison forces in Berlin was raised. In order to provide the Department of State with current views on this subject, the JCS were asked to reexamine their previous views and recommendations on this subject (JCSM–264–59, 8 July 1959), which had been transmitted to you by letter on 15 July 1959.1 As a result of this re-examination, which was completed on 25 March 1960, the JCS have concluded that the opinions and recommendations set forth in JCSM–264–59 remain valid.2
I agree with this reaffirmation of the JCS, and join with them in stating that I perceive no fundamental change in the threat to the freedom and safety of Berlin. Recent developments, including statements of Mr. Khrushchev, do not indicate any modification of the long-term objectives of the Soviet Union with respect to Germany and Berlin, nor do they foreshadow any lessening of Communist control in East Germany. Under such circumstances a reduction in the size of the Berlin garrison would lessen, perhaps critically, the capability of the Allied forces to [Page 333] cope with Communist inspired civil disturbances including the ability to protect U.S. personnel and their dependents. Such a reduction would also symbolize a decrease in the interest of the Western Powers in Berlin and could lead to an erosion of their already insecure position.
I strongly believe that the U.S. and Allied forces in Berlin should be maintained at their present strengths, which represent a minimum balance of force to maintain our objectives there.
Sincerely yours,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762.00/4–1560. Secret. Attached to the source text were a note to EUR dated April 19, asking that it draft a reply, and the reply dated April 25, which stated the views expressed by Gates would be taken into account during the forthcoming discussions on Berlin.↩
- See vol. VIII, Document 428. The cover letter was actually dated July 13.↩
- See Document 103.↩