Cabinet Meeting Minutes

'NATIONAL ARCHIVEL AND SPECIAL RECORDS SERVICE 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 sympa- thizers. Also a very clever propaganda technique which is effective despite a small percentage of hard core of 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 excep- tion of Holland. In France there is no exemption from 18 month military ser- vice 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 &