795B.5/11–1650
The Deputy Secretary of Defense (Lovett) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: With reference to my letter to you of 2 November, regarding general reductions in forces to be deployed by members of the United Nations to Korea, it is requested that due to the fluid situation in Korea, action be held in abeyance pending further study and recommendation by this Department.
With the execption of the Greek and Canadian contingents, the utilization of units already in Korea or projected for deployment to Korea will continue as originally planned. Since operational arrangements to ship to Korea only one Greek battalion and one Canadian battalion, instead of the larger forces (brigades) originally planned, have proceeded to an advanced stage, it would be both difficult and expensive to reverse these actions at this time.
No decision can be reached at this time concerning the diversion to Europe of the remainder of the Canadian brigade until the situation in Korea has been clarified. Meanwhile, the Canadian force will enter a period of additional training at Fort Lewis, Washington, as previously scheduled.
Faithfully yours,