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TOP DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON September 10, 1950 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: The Situation in Germany The next six months are certain to be crucial ones in Germany and in our relations with Germany. The situation can be described, as is done below, under two aspects: (1) the short- range problems and conditions, and (2) the long-range problem of the status of Germany. But actually, as will appear, the two parts are so intimately related that they must be dealt with together. Steps to deal with the immediate threats are not likely to be effective unless the long-range issues are faced at the same time. This memorandum seeks to summarize the situation briefly and to indicate the measures which I believe must be taken to deal with it. I. Current Situation 1. The Germans are deeply disturbed about their defense. The direct cause is, of course, Korea. They were jolted by the apparent weakness of our forces in contrast to their earlier evaluation of our strength derived in part from the war and the airlift. They feel keenly DECLASSIFIED NSC LETTER 12-1-13 TOP GRCIET ARCHIVES SERVICE" RECORDS NATIONAL AND Project NLT 83-18 By NLT- He NARS, Date 12-14-13