Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XIII, Western Europe and Canada

202. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Missions in the NATO Capitals⁰

Washington, June 18, 1963, 8:07 p.m.

2173. Ref: Deptcirtel 1996.¹ Subject: U.S. Troop Withdrawals in Europe. Responses DeptCirTel 1996 greatly appreciated. U.S. forces commitments in relation balance payments problem under study. Secretary has provided following views to DOD:

(a) major troop withdrawals from Europe would, in current political context, be contrary to U.S. interests;

(b) such withdrawals would not appear warranted on B of P grounds alone and certainly not in advance of previously exhausting other possible solutions; and,

(c) no withdrawals for any reasons should be considered pending outcome of Special NATO Force Review.

The foregoing would not, however, preclude relatively minor force adjustments for modernization or other technical reasons.

For background information Posts status of troop withdrawals is as follows:

During Berlin crisis Army strength increased from 228,700 to 273,400. It was reduced to 256,000 during FY 1963. DOD has programmed further reductions to 240,000 during FY 1964. However, only non-combat portion (9,700) of this reduction agreed of which 7,400 represent personnel in units and 2,300, personnel spaces. Possibly 1,000 of the personnel in units may move in June with the balance (6,400) phased over the first quarter FY 1964. Decision for balance of withdrawal (combat units) has been deferred until after President’s trip Europe. Separate message provides guidance for public affairs treatment withdrawal 7,400.

Tactical fighter squadrons in USAF in Europe numbered 21 prior to Berlin crisis. Increased by 11 National Guard squadrons during Berlin crisis. Seven of these have now been withdrawn, with remaining four scheduled for departure during first quarter FY 1964. However, pre-Berlin level has been indefinitely “augmented” by earmarking three high performance squadrons in U.S. for rapid deployment Europe.

Separate from above action is Reorganization of Army Division structure (ROAD concept) involving replacement of battle groups with battalion/brigades. Despite withdrawal bulk of augmentation forces, remaining U.S. Army forces in Europe will still be larger and have marked increase in capability over pre-Berlin forces as consequence reorganization plus other measures to increase combat power and flexibility.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, Def 6–8 US/NATO. Secret. Drafted by Kranich on June 13; cleared with Seymour Weiss, EUR, and the Department of Defense; and approved by Tyler.
1. Circular telegram 1996, May 20, reported that the Department of State had received reports from Europe that there was widespread concern over the possibility of troop cutbacks in the NATO area and asked for judgments on the consequences of any U.S. force reductions. (Ibid., Def 6 US/NATO) Replies, which indicated that any cuts would be likely to have unfavorable repercussions, are ibid., and Def 6–8 US/NATO.