AMERICAN TROOPS Large Cut Forecast In European Forces

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31126, 1 August 1966, Page 11

AMERICAN TROOPS Large Cut Forecast In European Forces

(N .Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON, July 31. President Johnson’s Administration was reported yesterday to be heading towards a cut in United States forces in Europe involving 75,000 or more men.

I he Defence Department is studying plans for a possible reduction of \merican logistics and supply units in West Germany next year.

Such a reduction—which could run as high as 75,000 men—would not directly affect the United States combat strength, which the Administration has pledged to maintain.

Units in other parts of Europe, however, could also be trimmed back, making the overall cut more than 75,000 men.

Reports involving the 75,000 figure have circulated for some weeks, and have been met by Defence Department statements that no such decision has been made.

The "Washington Post” reported today that, although a firm decision might be months away, the Administration was already laying the psychological groundwork that could justify a sizeable cut. "According to authoritative sources, barring a major change of attitude on both sides of the Atlantic, the Johnson Administration is now headed towards a large cut

in forces,” the “Post's” diplomatic correspondent wrote, i The United States at pres-j ent has between 210,000 and; 225,000 men in Germany, and some 30.000 military person-! nel and 37,000 dependents in France. First Step The Democratic leader ini The Senate, Senator Mike] I Mansfield, proposed this week Ithat a two-stage withdrawal Ibe implemented. The first step would be the return of the men and depen- ■ dents who will have to leave i France as a result of Presii dent de Gaulle’s decision to i withdraw from the integrated N.A.T.O. military structure. I The second stage would be a 10 per cent cut in West Germany and elsewhere in Europe. Cushion Impact Senator Mansfield was said to have made his proposal afI ter consulting—at President '.Johnson’s suggestion—the Defence Secretary, Mr Robert McNamara, and the Secretary of State, Mr Dean Rusk. The Senator’s scheme would cushion the impact on the sensitive West German political scene by making the biggest withdrawal from France, i Until now, United States ■ thinking has been that the i American military men in France would be moved else- ' where in Europe when they : left French soil.