232. Editorial Note
In November 1959, the United Kingdom decided not to reduce its troops in Europe. Secretary Herter was notified of this decision on December 1, at the conclusion of a conference in Washington on the peaceful uses of Antarctica. In a memorandum for the record, December 2, Herter wrote:
“After the signing ceremony of the Antarctic Treaty yesterday, Ambassador Caccia showed me a memorandum from the Foreign Office in [Page 525] London, obviously dictated by Selwyn Lloyd, in which it was stated that the British Government had decided not to go to the WEU with respect to a possible reduction of British troops in Europe from 55,000 to 45,000. The document indicated that Selwyn Lloyd had promised to keep me advised as to decisions of the British Government in this matter and that he thought I would be gratified to learn of this decision, even though it had been reached by the British Government with great reluctance.” (Eisenhower Library, Herter Papers)
In a message to Lloyd, December 10, Herter wrote: “I deeply appreciate your courtesy in letting me know through Harold Caccia of the British Government decision not to reduce its troops in Europe. I feel this is most helpful and will contribute considerably to easing our discussions next week in Paris.” (Telegram 4579 to London, December 10; Department of State, Central Files, 740.5/12–1059)