851.00/5–346
Memorandum by the Secretary of War
(Patterson) to the Acting Secretary of State
top secret
Washington, 3 May 1946.
Mr. Acheson: For your information the
attached message, having been cleared by the President, is being
dispatched to General McNarney.52
[Enclosure]
The War
Department to the Commanding General, U.S.
Forces, European Theater (McNarney), at Frankfurt, Germany
eyes only
top secret
urgent
[Washington,] 3 May
1946.
Reference S–3280. Authority is granted to effect movement into
France in case of serious disturbance there provided that such
move in your opinion is essential to provide for security of
U.S. forces or to secure supplies essential to them. Loss or
destruction of property which is surplus to your security needs
and which would not endanger the security of U.S. Forces by
falling into foreign hands should not constitute justification
for movement. However, under no condition should movement (or
any overt act forecasting movement) other than minimum
reconnaissance by selected officers carefully briefed as to
security angle and political implications of contemplated
actions be made prior to or during referendum on French
[Page 436]
constitution scheduled
5 May. In case move becomes necessary, you should notify the
French on a military level stressing: (1) that move is necessary
to protect U.S. lives and property; (2) that only minimum
personnel to accomplish this objective will be moved; and (3)
that U.S. troops will take no part in French internal conflict.
Details of such notification should be communicated immediately
to War Department so as to avoid delay in: (1) releasing here in
Washington such public information as appears desirable and (2)
providing proper governmental notification to France and other
powers. You should advise War Department of troop movements as
far in advance as possible in order that French Government can
be notified on governmental level. Until further notice, request
War Department be notified daily of your estimate of French
situation.
Reference paragraph 2, CCS
739/36, which reads as follows: “Dependent on stable conditions
in General McNarney’s area of responsibility, one parachute
infantry regiment and one regimental combat team will be
available until 1 September 1946 as reinforcement from United
States forces in Western Europe in the event of emergency in
Italy, including Venezia Giulia.” Should situation necessitate
the movement by you of troops into France, such requirements
will for the present at least take priority over possible
requirements for Venezia Giulia.
Acknowledge please.
