121. Editorial Note
On June 11, General Norstad, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, informed the NAC of his plan to redeploy nine U.S. Air Force squadrons in France because of the unwillingness of France to agree to stockpile the required atomic weapons. After this report, the French Representative stated that his country would not grant nuclear storage rights until it received satisfaction on French aspirations for participation in worldwide strategic planning. While recognizing Norstad’s concern about common security risks, the French Representative maintained that France could not make additional commitments in NATO which had no reference to global necessities. (Polto Circular 45, [Page 235] June 11; Department of State, Central Files, 740.5/6–1159) On July 8, the United States announced to the NAC its decision to redeploy these squadrons. (Polto 62, July 8; ibid., 711.56351/7–859)
For additional documentation on these questions, see Part 1, Documents 213 ff.