Call To Cut U.S. Forces In Europe

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31154, 2 September 1966, Page 11

Call To Cut U.S. Forces In Europe

(N.Z PA. Reuter—Copyright!

WASHINGTON, September 1. Democratic leaders in the Senate yesterday called for a substantial reduction in United States forces permanently stationed in Europe.

The White House promptly expressed opposition to the move. It said the Johnson Administration felt that a Senate resolution urging a reduction “would not be a helpful step at this time.” I The resolution, sponsored I by Senator Mike Mansfield and 12 fellow-members of the ' Senate Democratic Policy I Committee, was introduced in i the Senate yesterday mornI ing. Senator Mansfield, the I Democratic majority leader, 'told the Senate: “It is the ■ considered view of the co(sponsors of this resolution that the Senate should express I its sense that the deployment ! of United States forces in i Europe should be reduced I substantially.” 15 Years Ago ■ The resolution would cancel jone of 15 years ago saying

that six American divisions were required in Europe. Senator Mansfield said current estimates of United States forces in Europe ranged between 400,000 and 450.000, with 900,000 to one million dependents. Western Europe, he said, had long since rehabilitated itself from the devastation of the Second World War and this factor alone should justify a revision of forces. In addition, the troop con-

tributions of N.A.T.O. allies were remote from the estimates they originally accepted as necessary, and France was withdrawing her troops from N.A.T.O. Senator Mansfield later told reporters he favoured bringing home two divisions of about 18.000 troops each, plus supporting forces and their dependents. Strong Opposition His proposal brought strong opposition from the acting Republican leader. Senator Thomas H. Kuchel, who said there should be committee hearings before it came before the Senate.

“This is an exceedingly serious matter. I want to have the Secretary of Defence come forward and be crossexamined,” Senator Kuchel said.

There have been recurring press reports that the Defence Department is studying the possible withdrawal of up to 75,000 men from Europe, but Administration officials have denied the existence of any firm plans. The Defence Secretary, Mr Robert McNamara, said last week he expected that the bulk of the 30,000 men being withdrawn from France, as a result of the cut in French ties with N.A.T.O.'s integrated military structure, would be re-deployed elsewhere in Europe.