Memorandum from Colonel J. W. Bowen to General Harry Vaughan

TOP SECREL DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF OSD letter, April 12, 1974 WASHINGTON 25, D.C. NLT. HL , NARS Date/2.12.75 24 September 1946 MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL VAUGHAN: SUBJECT: Brief of European Situation 1. Prior to his departure, General Eisenhower directed that the President be advised of the situation in Europe as seen by the Wer Department officials at the Peace Conference. The following is a brief of observations cabled over the weekend: a. Soviet Policy: After his visit with Marshal Stalin, Mr. Molotov's actions indicate that Russia has decided on an interim change in emphasis on objectives: (1) To increase control and more strongly support satellite nations, and ARCHIVES "INATIONAL $ERVICE** RECORDS AND (2) To put secondary emphasis on efforts to strengthen communism in Germany, France and Italy. b. Secretary Byrnes stated to War Department repre- sentatives that the Soviets are seeking by every means possible to present to non-Soviet European nations the proposition that the United States will shortly abandon present commitments in Europe. He was deeply concerned over the effect which would be occasioned by a wavering of United States policy as evidenced by a drastic reduction in military forces in Europe at this time. The complete inability of European nations to comprehend United States domestic affairs is placing the United States Delegation in a critical position. C. War Department representatives believe that there is a grave chance that the Peace Conference may end unsatisfactorily before November. The result may be a con- siderable period of tension, particularly in Trieste. State Department officials in Paris believe we must maintain an adequate force in Venezia Giulia. 2. Secretary Byrnes has stated that B-29s should not visit Europe until the Carrier Roosevelt departed. He stated further that it was better from his standpoint that such move- ments be conducted inconspicuously, allowing other nations to obtain the information through their intelligence sources. TOP SECRET