American Forces in Europe

Archive Report

Pressure to Reduce U.S. Forces in Europe

Maintenance of a large number of American troops in Europe has been virtually an article of faith for United States policy makers since emergence of the Soviet threat after World War II. But in recent months this tenet has come under increased attack from congressional and other skeptics. They cast doubt on the wisdom of relying on a 20-year-old policy in the face of drastically changed conditions.

The new look at the rationale behind heavy commitment of American forces in Europe results from a combination of developments. The review was triggered by France's decision, announced in March 1966, to withdraw from the integrated military command of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. President de Gaulle's verdict presented alliance military planners ...

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