CABINET MEETING, WEDNESDAY PM, JANUARY 31, 1951
All present plus Speaker Rayburn
GEN EISENHOWER
Gave report on his command of coordinating Western Europe and U. S defense pact.
The current problem resolves itself to a condition of 120 million unified people vs 350 million people who are disunited.
(1) France. Found large percentage of Communists and sympathizers. Also a very clever propaganda technique which is effective despite a small percentage of hard core Communists. This also is abetted by the so-called neutralistic bloc who are made up of people who will not take positive stand against Soviet motivation. Found that they had specific difficulties in developing a national defense program. There is a low living standard, short rations for civilian population and in some cases hunger.
Morale is growing stronger in every country with possible exception of Holland.
In France there is no exemption from 18 month .... military service for any reason whatsoever.
Denmark - Norway are stepping up defenses to greatest possible extent.
Britain has also stepped up 35% which is just about its limit.
Portugal can't reach Europe except through Spain - so can't do much at this time.
Italy. Forces are limited by treaty but the govt has decided to be tough with Communists. The people of Italy have a cause to fight which they did not have in World War I or II when their hearts were not in the war. Thinks Italians now would fight well.
Luxembourg. Will build up if trained and if given equipment. Total population of 300,000 is not much but spirit is good.
Germany. Has been trying to blackmail Allies because we have been talking too much about them and have made them cocky about their importance in picture. Leaders in Germany are anxious to get in on side of Western Europe.
There is a growing confidence in all Western Europe. What we need now is more equipment - tanks, guns and others and just as fast as we can get it and as much as we can get. If we put combat units in Europe now we will bring about a spiral of improvement in European morale. The European people will respond to our stepped up participation and the problem will then be licked. Tactics of defense will reflect on each side of European battleground and air force to be concentrated in the center.
SAWYER
What about Spain.
EISENHOWER
Have 20 divisions of good fighters and they hate Stalin. Thinks we should count them in. When you appeal to force there are no political considerations involved.
SNYDER
Do these countries want their own units or will they be willing to pool their forces.
EISENHOWER
They are willing to pool.
V. P.
How many men should be in the combined Europe Army?
EISENHOWER
We should be able to muster 50 to 60 divisions but time is not certain - but this is dependent for strength in the morale of the men in service.
The U. S. does not have to stay in Europe if we build it up and we should not. It should be remembered that it is a long way from Russian bases to Western Europe. The general feeling in Europe now is Russia is not willing to get into global war. There is a great burden on the nation who would initiate a global war.
TOBIN
How about German socialists?
EISENHOWER
They approved presentation of Eisenhower - although at first they had reservations in support of Western Europe.
WILSON
What is timetable of requirements for other nations in equipment, etc.
EISENHOWER
It all depends on how fast we can produce in the U.S. We have to go on a wartime conversion basis. That is the difference between success and failure.
SYMINGTON
Can we superimpose a wartime economy on a peacetime economy.
EISENHOWER
Think we should convert to a war economy. Will have a conference on this with Wilson.
4:35