(1956) The American Soldier Reappraised: A Further Study of Civilian - Troop Relations

8/9/2019 (1956) The American Soldier Reappraised: A Further Study of Civilian - Troop Relations

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TABLE OF CONTENTSPage Wo.

INTRODUCTIOIT iSUMIvIARY . . ii

Chapter 1 - Knovvledge of American Soldiers 1 " 5

Chapter 2 - Appraisal of the American Soldier ... 4-56Section I1 Reactions to their Presence ...... 4Section 2: Assessment of Relations 9Section J: Evaluation of Combat Qualities . 21Section 4j Shall American Troops Stay? 5ISection 5* Trust in Germany's Allies ........ 35


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I i; T .-: D U C T I N

For the past years, the Research Staff has conductedsurveys on West German reactions and attitudes tov/ard theU.S. forces stationed in West Germany,* The present study isthe fourth in a series of annual surveys on the American soldierin Germany* Although in each of the surveys ne^; queries havebeen added and former ones modified or dropped depending on pastsurvey experience or the changing situation, the key questionshave been repeated for four years. Therefore, the basic story ofthis report i/ill be the trend of German thinking on the broad issuesof relations uetvjeen the U.S. troops and the population of theWest German Federal Republic,

The present study is based upon a probability sample of1,525 cases in West Germany and 280 cases in Y/est Berlin, represent-ing a cross section of the entire adult population 18 years ofage and over* Interviev/ing was conducted from December 5'th throughDecember 16th, 1955 The findings for previous years, as reported,are also based on probability samples representative of the /estGerman population of the same age.

Interviev/ing in all surveys was conducted by DIVO - Gesellsohaftfuer Llarkt- und Ileinungsforschung, m.b.H., Frankfurt/Main, aGerman survey organization \.'orking under contract with the ResearchStaff,

In the interest of speed in reporting upon the results, completetabulations of population sub-group comparisons on the issues posedin the present study are not incorporated in the discussion of thefindings, but can be found in an appendix.

* Reference is mace to The German Appraisal Of The Allied ForcesIn West Germany - With Recommendations For Improved Citizen-SoldierRelations," Report No. 119, Jan 28, I952 "The American SoldierAs Appraised By The West German People - A Continuing Study OfCivilian-Troop Relations," Report ITo. 174, March 11, 1955 ^^d"Trends In West German Appraisal Of The United States Forces inGermany," Report Wo, 1^8, June 15, 1954, all issued by theReactions Analysis Staff - Evaluation Staff - and noi; designatedthe Research Staff, Office of Public Affairs,


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S U IT M A R YSince upward favorable trends in West German reactions to

American soldiers were the basic findings of previous reports^the present study reveals a turning point in this situation.As compared with the previous findings ,. average face-to-face con-tact of American soldiers with German people has decreased signi-ficantly. Seeing fewer G.I.s than formerly makes it easy tounderstand that less Germans now feel that they personally knowany of them. This might be one of the possible explanations forthe finding that the rating of G.I. behavior is lower than everbefore. This suggestion is being substantiated by the findingthat acquaintance with an American soldier, even a superficialone, results in a more favorable judgment of the G.I, behaviorand of the general soldier-civilian relationship. In concurrencewith the general trend in West German opinion on the role of theU.S. troops in Germany, again more than one-third regard theG.I.s solely as occupation troops.

Although there was en apparent gain in regard to Germanevaluation of the fighting capacity of the individual Americansoldier from 1952 through 1954> the present survey indicates asignificant decrease in the percentage choosing the Americansoldier for second best fighter (first place being attributedquite naturally to the German soldier) ,' In accordance with thisalso the percentage of those expecting the American soldiers tofight well ajainst a possible Russian attack has dropped con-siderably. Popular support for continued presence of U.S. troopsin Geruany is at the lowest point since 1951 However, themajority still wants U.S. troops to stay. The confidence ofthe w'est Germans in their allies is not very great judgingby the results of this survey. Only about four out of tenthought that the allies would share the burden of fighting in apossible .war.


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Chapter 1 - Knowledge of American SoldiersLESS THilN CITE ^.UARTER OF THE POPULATION NOW SEES A G.I DURINGTHE V,TCEK . . .

As compared with January 1954 an even smaller percentage of theY/est German population no\7 sees an American soldier dixring a week,Whereas formerly 28^0 said that they saw one or more soldiers duringthe week (and half of these, or 14?o of the total population, sawabout a dozen or more) , in Decemher 1955 only 2yfo see any Americansoldiers (with only 9/^ of "the total population seeing as many as adozen or more,)

Only in llest Berlin is the sight of an American soldier not ararity, for there about half (49/^^) see one or more G.I.'s duringthe week,

"Approximately how many American soldiers do youguess you see on the average during the week?"


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PERSONAL KHO'VLEDGE OF THE SOLDIERS SAS ALSO DECREASSD . . ,Seeing fef/er American soldiers during the week than they

fomorly did, makes it easy to understand that fewer Germans nowfeel that they personally know any of them. The snail, hut signif-icant difference from the period tuo years ago is seen in the areaof knowing an America^, soldier "well" rather than merely knoT/ingsome "superficially"- In early 1954 'b^io knew some American soldiers(and Xyjo of all v/est Germans knew some "well"). By the end of 1955the percentages had gone down to JO^ feeling that they knew anyG.I's (and only 9^ answering that they knew some "well").

Although as seen in the previous table half of the people inWest Berlin admit seeing some soldiers during the course of anaverage week (a percentage much higher than is the case for WestGermany) , only 525'o of them admit to any personal knowledge of someAmerican soldiers, A figiire similar to that found in Yfest Germany.

"ilnd have you personally gotten to know Americansoldiers since the war ended? (Got to know themwell or only superficially?)


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CONSIDERABLE MCERTAIlTTy OVER WHO COI.ilABIDS AI/ERICAN TROOPS IFGERliLUTY , . .

Not only In West Germany "b-ut in West Berlin also there is con-sideratle doubt as to just vrho does comnand the Anerican troops inGernany, In YIeat Gernany the largest percentage sinply admits thatit does not know (41fj), while equal quarters think that they areunder NATO comEiand (zSfo) , or think that they are under AmericanSupreme Command (25fo), A small group even chose "Joint German-American Supreme Command" {0>)

The confusion is just about as great in Berlin, There, whileone quarter frankly admitted that they did not know (26^^), onethird (54fo) selected NATO Supreme Command, while almost as many (50?S)thought that the Anericare still retained sole command.

"Can you perhaps tell me who commands the Americantroops in Germany? Please indicate on this cardunder whose control the American troops are placed."

The American troops in Germanyare placed under ....

/uaerican Supreme CommandGerman controlNATO - Supreme Command(NATO - West European DefenseCommunity)Joint German-American Supreme CommandNone of these organs, but ...No opinion

WestGermany


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Chapter 2 - Appraisal of the American Soldier

Section 1 ; Reactions to their PresenceG.I. BEHAVIOR, v/HILE GOOD, NOT RATED AS HIGH AS BEFORE ...

The behavior of the American soldier is not considered quite asgood as it had been in previous years. Uhereas in 1955 and again in1954 well over half of the population (about 54^) rated their behavioras "good" rather than "fair", less than four-tenths (39^) consideredtheir behavior to be that high in December 1955

In fairness to the soldier, hov,/ever, it should be noted that thepercentage considering their behavior to be "bad" has remained constantat 4^, /hat has increased, accounting for the lov/ered percentage call-ing their behavior "good", has been the number of people who said thatthey had "no opinion" on the matter - 52^ ^o\J as against Z'^fo in 1954and 2^'fo in 1955* A basis for this increased "no opinion" has alreadybeen seen in the greater absence of contact found to be existent in1955 as against previous years.

"According to everything you have seen or heard, how doyou find the behavior of the Ameritjan soldiers - is itin general good or bad?"West Germany West Ber3

Jan 1955 Jan I954 Dec I955 Dec I95(1595) (1596) (1525) (280)

Good 53^ 545S 39^ 58?^Pair ,22 20 25 24Bad 4 3 4 4Ho opinion , , . , 21 23 32 I4100% TOO^ '1 OOfo lOOfo


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LARGEST PI^RCEi'ITAGE STILL COiTSIDEIlS G. I.-GERrlAII RELATIONS II'IPROVING ...

Assessment of the relations betv/een the American soldiers and theGerman civilian population shovs a return to the situation which pre-vailed in 1955 - an apparent loss from the high point achieved in 1954While over half of the people (57/o) in January 1954 felt that relationshad improved during- the past years j only four out of ten (59^) gave thatanswer in ieceiaber 1955 Again, as was noticed in the preceding question,it is not that the Germans think that matters are bad or worsening (onlyone in a hundred now as against two out of a hundred in 1954 thought thatrelations were \;orsening) but rather that a larger number (as againstthe previous year) do not have an adequate basis upon which to answerthe question. This can be seen in the 56^ "J^o opinion" in the latestsurvey as against 21^ in January 1954*

"Do you have the impression that the relations betweenthe American soldiers and the German civilian populationhave improved or worsened during the past fe\? years?"

West Germany^ Y/est BerlinJan 1955 Jan I954 Dec 1955 Dec 1955(1595) (1596) (1525) (280)

Improved 36^/0 ^7


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COIDvENTS IN DETAIL"Do you have the impression that the relations "betweenthe American soldiers and the German civilian populationhave improved or worsened during the past few years?"

IF "Improved" t"In what respect have they improved?"WestGermany WestBerlin

More mutual cordial i ty, understanding andfriendliness :"The Americans have a better understanding of ourproblems now.""Formerly the Americans were strangers here. Now they'vegotten used to conditions over here and have adaptedthemselves to them*"

"Since the Americans no longer show such an arrogantattitude, the Germans' confidence ' in them has increased."

"The soldiers' attitude isn't so cool any more. Ithas become more friendly,""They are no longer so reserved and have become familiarwith our habits and customs,"Friendly personal contacts through joint entertainment ;invitations, etc ;"More contacts exist now, for instance, American soldiersare permitted to visit German families. Some years agoin 1946 - 1947 this was not the case,"

"The Americans are now eager to establish social contactswith Germans c""There now exist more social relations between the Ameri-cans and the Gerraan population^ The Americans aren't soreserved any more;"

"Personal contacts were established at parties and socialgatherings*"

They no longer feel as conquerors - they do not regardus as enemi es any more"The American soldiers no longer act the victors,""Formerly we were treated as scum, but that has changed long since r,"They no lon:;er re2,-ard us as criminals the way thayused tOi""Because the American soldiers have come to realizethat we are not as barbarous as described by war propa-ganda., "

Their behavior has improved - there are fe^Jer incidents ;"They used to drink a lot more than they do nowadaysThere used to be holdups now and then, but these daystheir behavior towards us is much more polite,""They aren't so loutish any more and have stoppedmolestin,; arls""The American soldiers are no longer so noisy as in theearly days of the occupation,""In the beginning you often heard that their conduct leftmuch to be desired*"

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West West(Cont'd from precediiiG' i^ag-e) Germany BerlinCooperation and assista nce has been developed t yfe ifo"At first we didn't like the Americans because they hadbombed our cities, but later on they made up for it bydonations and gifts. They did a lot for the children.and supported the people of Berlin very generously."

" .'e are grateful for all the help they've rendered,""Mutual assistance is rendered more often."They no '.v recognize us as al lies: 2 2"Because the American and the v/est German governmentstand together against the I;ussians."

"Because the Americans have come to see that v/e are thebest partners for them."

"Tliey have gradually come to regard us as their allies."It' is generally said that relations have improved ; 2 2"You don't hear or read any more about their doing so manybad things.""I gather from netJspaper reports taat relations haveimproved,"Marriages betv/e en Americans and Germans have cemented thealready existing friend ly relations ; 1 4"V/ith regard to morals, the soldiers don't only have loveaffairs with German girls, they marry them,""Marriages v/ith German girls also promote mutual under-standing,"Other reasons ; 2 1"I never had anything to criticize,""Relations have improved because the Americans have learnedthe Ger.:an language,"

IIo oplnion/lTo answer; _2 , .1_,e Some respondents stated more than one reason for improvedrelations*


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"Do you have the impression that the relation betweenthe American soldiers and the German civilian populationhave imuroved or \.'orsened during the past fev/ years?"

IF "./orsened" i"In what respect have they worsened?"

ListWest WestGermany Berlin

15^ lio

"e thought that they came for our protection, but all theydo is enjoy life over here"

"We have in this house alone three children of Americanawhose fathers don' t pay alimony. And then there are eveniJegro children, V/here will that lead to?""They enjoy u.ijustified privileges in the economic sector.""Discipline is unkno\/n to them. They damage the fields offarmers and kill taxi drivers.""The American soldiers can think of ixothing but pleasure.As far as service and duty are concerned, they are lax."


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Section 2 : Assessnent of Relations

PERSONAL ACQUAINTAHCE WITH A SOLDIER M IICPORTANT (AOT FAVOR^IBLE)FACTOR IN ASSESSING RELATIONS ...Acquaintance vith an ilnerican soldier, even a superficial one,

results in a nore favorable judgment of the general soldier-civilianrelationship.

As the follo\/ing two tables illustrate, anong those v/ith apersonal acquaintance with an Anerican soldier a najority (51^)rate the G.I's behavior "good" and believe that relations have Inr-proved" during the past years. On the other hand of those \;ho do notknow a soldier, only one third call his behavior "good" or feel thatrelations have "inproved". Once again it is important to point out,that tboee without contact v/ith Aaerican soldiers do not assign anynore negative ratings than do those with such contact. Their honest,sober judgments can be seen in the finding that those without con-tact realistically return considerably nore "no opinion" than dothose who know a G.I

"And have you personally gottento know Anerican soldiers sincethe war ended?"

Yes Ho(449) (1076)

"According to everything you haveseen and heard, how do you findthe behavior of the ilnericansoldiers - is it in general goodor bad?"

GoodFairBadNo opinion

51/


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TROOPS STILL REGARDED AS MUCH AS OCCUPIERS AS PROTECTORS ...The abatement of the favorable trend noted between the 1955

and 1954 surveys is seen again in the responses to the questionconcerning the role of the American soldiers in West Geraany, ie,whether they are seen aainly as occupation troops ar as protection,T.'hereas in January 1954 45?^ considered thea protectors and 505^thought of them as occupiers, nov;, six nonths after "sovereignty",only 3&/0 call then protectors and 57^ still consider then asoccupation troops, .

Only in West Berlin does an overv/helning najority (69^) feelthat they are protectors rather than occupiers (22^o),

"As T/hat do you regard the American soldiers inFeat Gernany: chiefly as occupation troops orchiefly as a protection for European and WestGernan security?"


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PRESEHGE OF TROOPS SEEN A IHXED BLESSING . .In West Berlin there is little doubt that the presence of

American soldiers means mere advantages than disadvantages foralmost seven out of ten (68^) feel that there are more advantages,and less than one out of ten (8^) think that there are more dis-advantages.

The people of West Germany, on the other hand, are not so sureTrue, the largest percentage {3^'/) say that in general there aremore advantages - hut it should be noted that twice as many as inBerlin {^S^/o) say there are more disadvantages. In. addition, thereare 2Sfo who feel that there are neither advantages nor disadvantagesor that there are as many of the one as of the other involved in thepresence of American soldiers in the country. Finally add the ^^'/awho have no opinion on the subject and we have almost two-thirds (64^)of the population who do not see laore advantages for their countryin having the American troops,

"Considering everything, does the presence ofAmerican troops in West Germany, in your opinion,mean more advantages or more disadvantages for us?"

West Germany West BerlinMore advantagesMore disadvantagesHeither/norBoth advantages anddisadvantagesNo opinion

161615

100??

68^08798_100^


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LITTLE ECONOHIC, CULTURAL, OR SOCIAL RELATIONS SEEN BET^VEEN TROOPS AlTDGERi'IAN POPULATION ...

Only about one person out of five thinks that there are economiC|cultural, or social relations between the German population and theAmerican soldiers. There is a slightly higher percentage thinking thatthere are social relations (225^0), than think there are economic (177) >or cultural relations (18^),

It is interesting to note, ho\;ever, that \;hen those people vjhothought that there were such relations were asked to judge how goodthese relations v/ere, the cultural relations were adjudged the best(77^ thought that they were either "good" or "very good"), while socialand economic relations followed with TY/o and 65^ respectively.

Types of RelationsEconomic Cultural Social

A re there relations?YesHoDon' t know

I7fb245?,


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EXAMPLES OP CCNTiiCTS CITED . . ,IN ECONOinC RELATIONS -

IN CULTURAL RELATIONS -

IN SOCIAL RELATIONS

ilAIN EXAIffLE IS "SHOPPING IN GERIIANSTORES"VARIOUS THEATRICAL AND CULTURALACTIVITIES AliE ADVANCEDCONTACTS l/ITH GERIIAN FALULIES ANDilUTUAL ATTENDANCE AT SOCIAL EVENTSLEADING EXAMPLES

COmffiNTS IN DETAIL . . ."Can you tell me whether or not any economic andcommercial contacts or relations exist between theGerman population and the American soldiers?"

IF "Yes" ".irhat are you thinking of?"

American soldiers shopping in Gerrjan stores t"The soldiers have fat pay rolls and they spend part oftheir pay in German shops That means a help to oureconomy,"

"They buy antique tableware and curios, things ',/hich theycannot get in the U.S.""They buy cars and gifts over here.""The Americans go shopping in German stores and theycertainly are not close-fisted.""In the cities 'inhere Aiiierican troops are stationed, saleshave increased,""German innkeepers profit by Aaericans frequentingtheir places i"Black mark e t ji ct ivities"The soldiers engage in all sorts of rackets, and hoMl -They sell coffee and cigarettes on the black market.""In order to make their money go a long way here inGermany, American soldiers bribe people and engage inblack market deals.""I'm thinking of illegal deals in cigarettes and coffeeas well as the camp follov;ers, the 'Fraeuleins' ."

"The soldiers engage in black market deals involvingcigarettes, coffee and cocoa."

American ^J'd_ers ar_e_^l_aced^_wi'tll Ge_rman _f irjps.'"The consumer goods and builc'ing industries profit fromthe presence of American troops in Germany,""German firms are considered when orders are placed."

"I'm thinkin^ of export and import deals between theU.S. and Germanyj""I'm thinking of the flourishing trade between thetwo countries*"

WestGermany^(yfo

WestBerli

American aj^jicies provide empl oyment for Germannationals ;"I'm thinking of the many Germans who work inAmerican offices."


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West West(Cont'd from preceding j?age) Germany BerlinFilm sho.;ings and the exchange of films 2$^ 6^"Yes, tiirough their films, for instance. On Americannights the hou.se is always sold out,""There are American-sponsored activities - film showingsfor instance,""They see German films now, and ..e see theirs."

The memorial librar;^'- (in Berlin) 2 11"The memorial library is an American institution.""At the memorial library ^-e learn about Americanliterature,"Sports programst 1 4"Sports events - they sometimes invite you to theirfootball games and otiier sports events.""They have many sports clubs."German-American clubs (and dances) ; 1 4"I am thinking of the clubs where our young people maygo to see films and play tennis or take part in dancesand other activities.""There are German-American clubs and American youth clubs."

Radio programs ; 1 J"In radio 4he Americans have programs covering every field.""There is the 'Voice of America' ,"The German-American exchange program; 1 1"I'm thinlcing of the exchange of students, that is arrangedby the American army. Formerly such programs didn't exist,""There's the chance of visiting the U.S. under theexchange program."Other ans'.jers; J 10"There are Christmas parties for refugee children givenby American soldiers,""As medical students we are invited to American hospitalsfor discussions*"Ho opinion/llo ai swer ; 1 1

Some respondents mentioned more than one example.


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"Can you tell me whether or not any social contactsor relations exist between the German population andthe American soldiers?"

IF "Yes" ;"i/hat are you thinking of?"

West WestGermany BerlinSocial contacts with German familiesi especially duringthe Christmas season ;"People are often asked over the radio to invite Americansoldiers for Christmas and other holidays, and, as far asI know, these invitations resulted in friendships withthe whole family,"

"Of the 'Operation Joy'.""They visit Geruian families, for instance, on Sundaysor holidays.""Many German families invite soldiers for Xmas"

Mutual invitations, social event s (dances, parties, etc) ;"Especially at big parties you often find Americans.""There are big social events, like the ball sponsored bythe press, etc,"

"There are all kinds of parties or celebrations and dances."Marriages between Americana and Geraan girls"There are lots of marriages between American soldiersand German girls.""'ciuite a fe\/ of my relatives are married to Americans.""Quite a few Americans married German women.""I kno'v.' a girl \.ho became acquainted with an Americanand later married him. There are many cases like

American-sponsored charitable projects ;"They transport children from Berlin to spend their holidayswith American families in Southern Germany,""American soldiers are presenting underprivileged Germanchildren with t.ifts,""I'm thinking of Christmas parties, arranged by theAmericans xor Geruian children,"Friend ships _bet\ {e^en_ Americans and German girls :"Many Americans go steady with German girls.""Many German girls have American boy friends.""Many Americans have German girl friends."Clubs and associations which are open to bothGermans and Americ ans ;"There are clubs to which Germans are admitted.""A member of my club knows some Americans. They alsoattend our club meetings,"Cultural events;"They arrange concerts and invite the Ger.uans to attend.""American artists give performances over here."Sports events:


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West West(Cont'd from preceding page) Germany BerlinExchanfa-e programs ? ^'fo */o"jLany Germans were invited to visit America.""Exchange of students and professional groups,"Other ansv/ers : ' 1 3"People get together \/ith Americans for discussions andto exchange opinions.""Their restaurants and cafeterias are also open to theirGerman employeest"

Mo opinion/No ans\Jer: 1 1

* Less than one half of one per cent@ Some respondents mentioned more than one example.


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INTERIJARRIAGE DISAPPROVED BY 5 TO 1 . .In West Germany only about one in ten (15?^) accepts the idea of

their daughter, sister, or other close female relative marrying anAmerican soldier even though the question supposed that the girl "-./ouldwant to marry" the soldier. More than three times as many people (42?^)voice their opposition to the idea, \


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COIftENTS III DETAIL . . ."Just imagine your daughter, sister, or some otherclose female, \;ould ".;ant to marry an American soldier,v;ould you like to see that happen or k.'ouldn't you?fDo you like the idea very much or just somewhat?)(Don't you -like the idea too much or are you verymuch against it?"

IF "Don't like it top much" or "I'm very muchagainst it" ;"For ..hat reasons wouldn't you like to see thathappen? (V/ould you he against it?)" West WestGermany Berlin

Becaus e one should not marry a foreigner, there are enoughGerman men ; 195^ 13/^"Because I \.'Ould prefer her to marry a German, I feel thatto be a more likable idea,""I'm too much of a German - perhaps the Third Reich led meto think this way - not to like the idea of having aforeigner as a member of my family,""Because one belongs to one's country.""Because Germans belong together."

"There are enough German men, therefore our girls needn'tget married to American soldiers,"

"I'm against marriages with foreigners on principle."Because of the great di stance entailed in the separation ; 7 Q"It "v.ould mean that I would lose my daughter, I want tokeep her here, America is too far away,""America is too far ai/ay, perhaps I would never see thechildren again,"

"As her mother, I feel that America is too far away.Otherwise I have nothing against it."The two countr ie_s a_re too different; 5 4"Because there is no natural affinity bet\;een Germansand Americans,""Because the Americans are different from the Germans,"

"Life in the U.S. is different from our life over here,"One__doe s not kno\; ^.hat she ha s to expect ; 4 4"Hot all her expectations v;ill come true. You don't knowho'.; she'll be off over there,""You don't know the American's financial position at home,""You don't really know them. You can't be sure \;hat sortthe man is,"

Experience has prov:-d that _th e_se_ marriages are oftenimsuccessful ; 5 1"It ..as proven by experience that these marriages fail,""ji.any of the girls who married Americans have cried bitterlyever since because they are so disappointed with America."

(Cont'd on next page)


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West West(Cont'd from precediiii^' page) Germany BerlinBecause the americans were our enemies: 5^ 1^"Formerly they yere our enemies. I don't regard them asworthy of marrying my dau,^hter,""Because they vere our enemies and ruined Germany,"I don't like the Americans ; 1 1"Because I simply don't like them.""As far as I have come to knov/ them, I regard the Americansoldiers as bad and \;ould, therefore, be against such amarriage."

Other ansvjers t 1 *"I like the Germans better, they are smarter,"

*No opinion/No answer ? 1 _

* Less than one half of one per cent, Some respondents stated more than one reason.


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Section 3 - Evaluation of Conbat Qualities

U.S. SOLDIERS SLIP FURTtlER BEHIITO GERILJTS AM) RUSSIANS ...Fron 1952 through 1954 there was an apparent gain in the regard

with which the West Germans evaluated the fighting qualities of theindividual Anerican soldier. Through the 1954 survey there \/as asteady rise in the percentage noninating the Anerican soldier as thesecond best fighter - I25*j 20^ and then 249^ - while the percentagenaming the Russians as the second best remained constant at J:lfo (WestGermans naturally gave their ovm men first place),' In the presentsurvey; while the Y/est Germans still choose their own as the best (75^)and the Russians as second (35^) there is a significajat decrease inthe percentage choosing the iVmerican soldier for second place (1.6^ asagainst 24^ in 1954 > and a rise in the percentage naming the G.I, forlast place (l6^$ now as against 12%^ in 1954)*

The similarity between the various figures for the most recentsurvey and the results obtained in January 1953 is striking*

"All in all, in your opinion, v/ho, as an individualsoldier, makes the best fighter? And who is insecond place? And who is in last place?

AmericansBritishGermansRussiansFrenchNo opinion

AmericansBritishGermansRussiansFrenchNo opinion

AmericansBritish


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RUSSIM SUPERIORITY OVER THE G.I. SEEN IIT HIS HARDINESS AND PRIIIITIVENEEDS ...

The reasons for the Russians superiority over the Anerican fightingnan were asked of all those who selected the Russians as better fightersthan the ilnericans. The three leading reasons given for this supposedsuperiority are aluost identical to those given in preceding years,and stress:

"Russian soldiers are hardier, tougher,""They are priuitive and have fewer needs than Anericansoldiers,""Russian soldiers are uore courageous, nore fanatical,"

"All in all, in your opinion, v;ho, as an individualsoldier, nakes the best fighter? And v/ho is insecond place? And v/ho is in last place?"IF "Russians" naped before "Anerioans" ;"TJhy is the Russian soldier superior to the Anerican?(in v/hat respect - which points?)

T/est TJestGernany BerlinRussian soldiers are hardier and tougher ; l6^ 11^"The Russians have been trained so as to be nuchmore robust and tough,""They are hardier and nore ruthless than the Anerioans,""Because the Russians possess enornous endurance whichthe Americans lack,""The Russian soldiers are nore inured to hardships,""Due to the rough clinate, Russian soldiers have agreater pou'er of resia'jr.nce, ""The Russians can bear greater physical hardships,"Russian soldiers are prinitive and have fewer needsthan Anerican soldiers; 15 20"The Russian is a child of naturee He gro\;s upaccustoned to a wretchedly poor life, and thus heis good at adapting hinself to changing circunstances,""The Russians are predoninantly a prinitiv^ people.They do not need technology wiJ;hout v/hich the Americanscannot get along."

"The i>-ussians can get along on very little* They nakecheap naterial for soldiers c""The Russian soldier is very noderate in his way oflife, while the Anerioans have too nany needs,""The Russians can fight on a bottle of schnapps andbread, even in the severest cold, the Anerioanscannot pull off a thing like. that ,""The '^ssians can live on dried leaves or bark,if need be. No Yank could ever stand such hard-ships. "



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(Cont'd fron preceding page)West WestGcrnany Berlin

Russicin soldiers are .-lore courdgeous, uore fanatical :"The Russians are daredevils. They tackle things norevigorously. They have nore pluck,""The Russiar soldiers are fighters. They plod aheaddoggedly and don't care what the odds are.""They are nore willing to give all that's in then. Noneed to say nore,""A Russian soldier defends his position until his lasthreath. Ho never surrenders^ I've had this experiencea thousand tines.""The Russians fight with fanaticisn. They don't think,""The life of the individual counts for nothing v/iththe Russians, Everybody risks his life unhesitating-ly."

Russian soldiers are "bolstered by Coi.inunist ideas andthe Connunist regine denands strict obedience ;"The individual Russian fights for an idea, that'swhy he is superior to his Anerican counterpart.""The Russians fight for their ideals, while theAmericans don't bother with reflecting on things,""The Russians will always obey unthinkingly.""It's because of the enornous pressure exerted onthe Russian soldiers by their rulers,"

Russian soldiers undergo a nore rigid and toughertraining ;"The Russians undergo a rigorous training, and that'swhat nakes then good front-line dogfaces,,""Russian soldiers get nore careful training in hand-to-hand fightinge"Because, unlike the Anericans; the -Russians undergoa stiff drill. The Anericans love freedon andcreature confortsr"

Other answers ;"The Russians always advance with large amies.""They've fought nore wars than the others andtherefore they have greater experience,"Ho opinion/No ansi/er ;

13^0 15fo

_660^ __2"60^Q ^one respondents gave nore than one ans;/er.


30/82

GERilAK SUPERIORITY OVER THE G.I. SEEiT IN HIS COURAGE AlTD TOUGmiSSS ...Gernan national pride can "be seen in nany of the ansT.-ers given

in response to the query asking for the grounds for the Gernan soldiers' super-iority over tho Anericaa soldiers (i. The tv/o leading reasons advancedfor the superiority of the Gernan soldier are the sane reasons vhichhave been reported in other studies - "Gernan soldiers are norcourageous", and "Gernan soldiers are tougher and have nore endurance*"

By and large the Anericans are considered too soft and essentiallyunnilitaristic, with greater reliance upon the superiority of hisnateriel,

"All in all, in your opinion, vho, as an individualsoldier, nakes the best fighter? And \.ho is insecond place? And i.ho is in last place?IF "Gernans" noned before "Aiuericans" i"In uhat respect, vould you say, are the Anericansoldiers inferior to the forner Gernan soldiers?(Can you give sone exauples of what you have in

< . nind?)"IWest West IGernany Berlin

Gernan soldiers are nore courageous, they have a Ikeener fighting spirit ; 2yfo 255^ '"The Gernans are the greatest daredevils there are. iThey are braver than the Americans." \"The Anericans vill hardly ever carry out suchdangerous nissions involving a task force of tvo orthree nen only as \/e do,"

"The Gernans are by nature the keener fighters.""The Gernans are better front-line fighters,""The Anericans take no interest whatever in nilitaryaffairs, but that's not the case vith the Gernans,and that's v;hy they are the better soldiers,""The Gernans are nore ardent. They take this natternore seriously,"Gernan soldiers are tougher, nore enduring ,and sinpler in their needa ; 15 20"Gernan soldiers aren't as soft. They arcsturdier than the Anericans,""Gernan soldiers are of a nuch tougher fibre j""They have greater pov;er of resistance, I'ntalking of our boys*""It's because the Americans are accustoned togreater cor.iforts in their daily life.""Anerican soldiers are not so enduring andthey cannot get along on as little as theGernans .



31/82

(Cont'd froa preceding page) West T/eatGernany BerlinAuerican soldiers rely exclusively on their noreapple and technioally superior aateriel ; lOfo IT/o"The Anericans rely exclusively on their highlydeveloped technology. The individual soldier vouldbe absolutely sunk if something rent urong uithhis technical equipnent,""The only strong point of the Aaericans is theirlarge Air Force, That's vhy they are technicallysuperior,"The Anericans take it too nuch for granted that theyhave better and nore anple equipnent than theiropponents,""The Americans are good fighters only if they havethe best arns and equipnent at their disposal, ^;hilethe Gernans will stand their ground under anyconditions,"

"If the Yanks vrould ever be v.'ithout their nachines,they'd be sunk,"Gernans have proved to be good soldiers throughthe ages ; 3 15"Gernans have al^/ays been the nost capable soldiers.If we had had such anple nateriel at our disposalas the Anericans had, Y;e vould never hare lost eitherWorld War I or World War II,""The Gernans are born soldiers, that \.as provenduring our past nonarchical eras,""It becane quite clear during the last war that theGernan soldiers were superior to all the others,""It runs in the blood of the Gernans, They v:illalv/ays nake good soldiers*""No other nation is a natch for the Gernans assoldiers,

Gernan soldiers are nore obedient, they have astronger sense of duty and are nore disciplined : 8 H"In precarious situations Gernan soldiers have shoT.ilthenselves nuch nore disciplined,""His sense of duty v.'ill mle out everything else titha Gernan soldier,""The -.nericans do not accept authority as unquestion-ingly,"

"The -^nericans don't know absolute obedience as theGernans do."

Gernan soldiers undergo a nore rigorous and noreconpetent training ; 6 15"The Anericans \7eren't subjected to as rugged atraining as our soldiers,""The training they get is too lax. They are puppetsin uniforn, but not soldiers,"

"The Anerican soldiers lack a thorough knowledgeof their weapons,""They don't believe in nilitary drill as do theGernans and that's why they don't receive sucha conpetent training,"The Gernan soldiers are better trained, and that's


32/82

(Cont'd fron preceding page) West WestG-ernany Berlin

Geman soldiers are superior as infantrynen andindividual fighters i ,....-. 5^ 65^"As infantry soldiers the Americans cannot conpetet;ith our aen-,"As individual fighters they do not cone up to GerCianstandards,"In hand-to-hand fighting the Germans are superior.In this sphere the Anericans are failures,"

"The Anericans do not nake good infantry soldiers."Contrary to the Americans the Gernans fought fortheir country ; 5 5"The -^nericans do not have a serious purpose whenfighting in Europe, while we stand to lose every-thing if things go wrong,"The tern "fatherland" doesn't have as deep aneaning for the Americans as it has for us. They donot quite know what they are fighting for,""The Anericans do not fight so doggedly as they havenever experienced v/hat it neans to defend one's country,"Gernan soldiers fight for their ideals : 2 2"A Gernan soldier will place the ain he has in viewahove all personal considerations, v.hile an Anericansoldier will always think of hinself firsts""The Gernans proved thenselves to be the superiorsoldiers since fighting to then neant .defending theirideals and convictions,"The Anericans are not consecrated to any spiritualohjects*" .

Anerican soldiers hr.^'e not accunulated as nuchextensive war experience as Gernan soldiers ; 2. 2"The Anericans have never conducted a war ontheir o\/n; if you cone down to it, The'y do notreally know what v/ar neans for they have neverfought a war in their own country,""They haven't had any experience of warfare inRussia as we hadf"

Other answers; 2 5"The Anericans adnitted it thenselves that thisis true. Gernan soldiers are superior in everyrespect^ in conhat, in advancing and also indef^-nding their positions*""Only with the assistance of the ''ussianS; theBritish, the French and the colonial peoplesdid the Anericans succeed in defeating the Gernansoldiers,""The Gernans are superior to the Anericans in thefield of technology and inventions,"Ho opinion/No answer ; __12 6

@ one respondents gave nore than one answer.


33/82

DROP IIT B2LIEP THAT U.S. SOLDIx^RS UILL. FIGHT WELL AGAINST POSSIBLERUSSIAN ATTACK ...In keeping vith the previous findings that T7est Gernang do not

eeen to regard the Axierican soldiers fighting qualities as highly asin the past, there is a significant decrease in the percentage ofWest Gemans who think that the Anerioan soldiers nor; in Gemanyuill fight "veil" against a possible Russian attack. The percentagehaving that nuch confidence in the fighting ability of the Anericansoldier (58/a) is lover than ever found before, (In 1954 i't i''a.s 4^'/)and in 1953 it vas 45/.)

Fortunately, in eBt Berlin, yhere contacts vith the B-ussians arenore frequent and realistic, there is considerably Dore confidencein the protection afforded by the presence of the Anerican soldiers,Alnost tvo-thirds of the population there (63/) think that theG.I's would fight "veil".

"According to everything you have seen or heard,do you believe, that the Aaerican soldiers Y;hoare here nov vill fight veil or poorly in caseof a Russian attack?"


34/82

BELIEVE SOLDIIURS .OTJLD NOT FIGHT V^ELL BEG.'xUSE "THEY ^OULD NOT BEFIGHTING FOR THEIR OWN COUNTRY" ...By far the outstanding reason given "by T/est Germans (and West

Berlinere) as to v.hy the ALierican aoldiers uould not fight particularlywell in the event of a Russian attack is the belief that they yould notbe interested in defending Ger;.iany since it is not their own country.Only secondarily do they nention presuned shortconings of the aoldiersthenselvea,

"According to everything you have seen or heard, doyou believe that the Anerican soldiers who are herenox/ will fight well or poorly in case of a Russianattack,IF "Fairly v.-ell" or "Poorly" ;

. . "For \/hat reasons, in your opinion, would the Anericansoldiers here not fight well."

West FestGernany BerlinThey would not be fighting for their own country -they are not interested in defending Gernany ; iSfo ^fo"This isn't their honeland. They \;ould fight uoreardently in the States, no doubt,""They v/ouldn't nake as powerful an effort todefend Gernany as they would if the U.S. were atstake.""To the individual soldier fighting here, hishone country seens far away and I don't think hewill realize that in defending Europe he protectshis fatherlandc

"I guess they T;ould fight well only for their owncountry^"Because they aren't interested in defending ourcountry.""They can hardly be expected to lift a finger fortheir forner enenies,"They are poor so ldiers without nuch conbatexperience; 9 6"I cannot inagine the Aiuericaiis fighting well asindividuals f They are good only when attackingin large nunbcrs,""They aren't overly brave fighters in any case*""They aren't v;ell prepared for conbat^""They lack fighting spirit,. They aren't tooplucky.


- 28 -


35/82

(Cont'd fron preceding page)' V/est WestGernany Berlin

They fear the Russians and are no natch forthen in conbat ; 4?^ 4^"They'll take to their heels for they are nortallyafraid of the Russians,""Because the Russians will advance vith such superiorforces that the Anericans will quit Gernany in ajiffy."

"I believe they would be scared if they had to faoenillions of forward storning Russians with no pardonbeing given, 'Even now they have cold feet T;hen thereis sone trouble v/ith the Russians*""Due to Russian superiority, the Anericans won'thave a chance to fight. They are heavily outnunberedby the Russians who also have short e.yply lines, andfor these reasons the odds are on the Russian side."They will let us bear the brunt of an attack and yjlldefend Gernany only beyond the Rhine ; 2 2"I think they will let the Gernans pull thechestnuts out of the fire.""I know what their watchword is: to defend Euxope onthe Yfestern shore of the Rhine. In ny opinion, theAnericans v;on't achieve nuch in Europe.""The nain line of defense has been set up beyondGernany' s Western frontiers."

They ^.^ould rely too heavily on their superior nateriel i 1 5"They won't fight at all. They'll just drop a hail ofaton bonbs; then no soldier will fight on any frontany nore*""In the last war the Anericans enployed trenendousquantities of nateriel"Other answers ; 1 2"They have to bring their reinforcenents and suppliesfron across the ocean*""I think they will slowly withdraw until reinforcenentswill arrive,"Ho opinion/No answer ; , 2 ^35^ 26fkiQ "^one respondents gave nore than one answer.


36/82

THOSE KITOV/ING GI's MORE LIKELY TO FEEL THEY T/ILL FIGHT WELL ...The favorable infiuence personal knowledge of an Anerican soldier

has on attitudes towards the Auerican troops is further seen in thedifferent responses nade on the question of hov; well the Anericanawould fight a Russian attack. Among those knowing an Anericansoldier, 45?^ thought they would fight "well" and another 25% thoughtthey would fight "fairly well". Auong those who do not know anAnerican soldier, on the other hand the pertinent figures are only36?$ and Iffo selecting these sane categories*

"And have you personally gottento know Anerican soldiers since"the war ended?"

Yes No(449) (1076)

"According to everything youhave seen or heard, do youbelieve that the Anerican ,soldiers who are here nov


37/82

Section 4 ; Shall American Troops Stay?WHILE INCiCiiSSD OPPOSITIOiT, liAJGRITY STILL JA7.T TROOPS TO STAY ...

Popular support for the continued presence of the American troopsin West Germany is at the lo>.est point since this question \.as firstposed in Deceuber 1951 Despite the decrease in support, which reflectsa drastic drop since January 1954 (when 'Jl'fc wanted the troops to stay), amajority of the West Germans (55/^) still want the troops to stay on.

In West Berlin the situation is different. There the over\/helmingmajority, almost nine out of ten (87/'o)> "-ant the American forces to stay,while only one out of ten {9fo) v^ant them to leave.

"Taking everything into consideration, should theAmerican forces leave West Germany now or shouldthey stay on?"


38/82

West est(Cont'd from preceding page) Germany BerlinOnly then'uould \;e be politically fre e and independent ; 5?^ 4?^",/e Germans -.-'ant to be able to acjt freely and independently,\;ithout being bossed by others.""Conditions over here should be the same as in Austria*"

Because \ie arc establi shing an army of our own i 5 *"Once \ie have an army of our o'wn, they won't be neededany more.""They're no longer needed since a ne\i German army hasbeen established."Because it might improve German-Russian relations andbring- about reunification t 2 "If they leave > ve would have a chance to conclude apeace treaty with Russia and reunification would bebrought about soon.""Because Russia 'will withdrax/ its troops from the occupiedterritory only after the others have left,"

Because additional housing space would become available ; 1 -"All t.iey do is to take up housing space which we need.""V/e could well do \;ith those many apartments which theyoccupy."

Because the American soldiers cause trouble ; 1 -"They just cause trouble, e.g. illegitimate children.""As it is, all. they do is to get involved in fights."Other answers ; 1 2"Ten years is enough.""Then it .;ould be easier to feel that -'e live in timesof peace. They should be glad to be able to go home;"

Ko opinion/lTo answ'er ; 1

* Less than one half of one per cent.Q Some respondents stated more than one reason.

2lf^ 11>@


39/82

IvIAJORITY or THOSE NOT WANTIWG AlffiRICAK TROOPS TO LEAVE THIM THEIRFCFIIBER SHOULD REiiiilW THE SAIffi . .

The three-quarters of the West Ger-iian population uho cither v/antedthe American troops to stay on or ^^ho had no opinion on the question'?f their ^oin^; or staying^ were asked whether the American troops shouldbe increased, decreased, or remain the same. A majority of them {3^7^)thought that the number should remain stationary.

"Su;^.posing the American forces stay on in Germany,should they be decreased in number or not?(if 'Not decreased': Should they be increased innumber or should they remain stationary?)" (Askedof those answering "Stay on" or "No opinion" --jy/o = 100/0)


40/82

West West(Cont'd from preceding page) Germany BerlinThe changed political and military' situation allows fora reduction of American forces ! ^'p '^1"It's no longer so vital to retain such a large number oftroops over here as our situation has become a littlemore secure by now."

"It seems to me there is no danger at present. I'm of theopinion that the Russians won't harm us any more."Additional housing space would become available : 1 -"A lot of housing space \;ould be vacated and it viould beeasier for us to accomodate our German refugees.""It would be a good thing in that more apartmentswould be available then.i'Other answers : ' 5"Perhaps it ..'ould mean a step for^.'a^d toward reunificationif troops would be gradually reduced,"

"It's because I feel mq all should close that occupationchapter and should work for peace."ITo opinion/ilo answert ,,.*.. .

^ ' T^ 15^* Less than one iialf of one per cent.@ Some respondents gave more than one reason.


41/82

Section 3 t Trust in C-eraany ' s .talliesLIAJOKITIES BELIEVE GERIIilTY ./ILL BE RECOGNIZED AS 3QUAL -.il'HIN NATO ,.

Ilore than five out of ten in ;est Germany and more than seven outof ten in \7est Berlin feel that Germany v;ill be accorded fair and equaltreatment within the West European defense community, .'hile majoritiessee equal treatment, a sizeable minority of over two- tenths in bothWest Germany and est Berlin is skeptical and believes that West Germanyuill not be recognized as an equal,

"West Germany soon 'iJill set up an army of its own"kvithin NATO - that is within the West European defensecommunity. Do you believe West Germany uill be re-cognized as an equal partner by the member nations ofNATO, or don't you think it -..ill enjoy equal rightswith the others?"

West Germany West BerlinRecognized as an equal ^2fo 'J'\'yoNot recognized as an equal 24 22No opinion M_ .7100^ 100^


42/82

rffiST GERIIAITY UlTDECIDEL, vrrlETHER, IR EVEHT OP MAR, ALLIES OULD REALLYSHARE THE BURDEN OF THE FIGIITIiTG WITH HER . . .

West Germans do not have very great confidence that her alliescan be depended upon to come to her aid in the event of an attack* InWest Germany the largest percentage (45/'^) subscribed to the view thatin a i/ar German troops would have to bear the brunt of the fighting,while the other countries \;ould try to spare their ovn troops as much aspossible* A slightly smaller segment (395'0 thought that the alliesuould come to their rescue and share the burden of the fighting.

In West Berlin, on the other hand, a substantial majority (63^)showed confidence in Germany's allies; but still almost a third (52^)felt that West Germany would largely be left folding the bag when thechips are down,

"Two persons are discussing tha possibility of a warbetween East and West, \7ould you please tell me whichview you would be more likely to agree ^;ith?" (CARD)Wes t Germany West Berlin

Mr. Mueller ;"In a war the German troops i;ould haveto bear the brunt of the fighting. Theother countries would try to spare theirtroops as much as possible." 45?^ 3^

Mr. Schultz i"In case of an attack from the East Germantroops \


43/82

APPENDIX


44/82

"Approximately hou many American soldiers do youguess you see -^n the average during th week?"

Total West Germany

Sex:HenWomen^liJducation ;Ele jentary schoolBeyond ele.entaryIncome ;

Up to 149 DM150 to 299 DM500 to 599 DI'I400 to 499 DM500 DM and moreJo answerOpinion Leader hip ScaleVery activeSomewhat activeRemainderSocio-Economic Status ;Upper classesUpper middle classesLo'./er middle classesLo\^er classes

Age ;Up to 24 years25 to 54 years55 to 44 years45 to 54 years55 years and aboveParty Preference ;SPDCDU/CSUFDPOther partiesllo partyNo party preference

statedOccupationprofessionalsBusinessmenYfliite-c liar \iorkersSkilled laborersSemi-skilled laborersLomestic serviceFarmers, farmhandsHouse.;ivesUnemployedPensioners; retiredStudents; apprenticesReligion ;CatholicsProtestantsOthersFo religion

11 and


45/82

(Cont'd from preceding-, page)


46/82

"And have you personally gotten to knoM Americansoldiers since the './ar ended? (Got to knovj themv.'ell or only superficially?)"


47/82

(Cont'd from preceding page)


48/82

"Can you perhaps tell me who commands the Americantroops in Germany? Please indicate on this cardunder \;hose control the American troops are placed.

The American troops in Germany are placed underJoint LTone

... German/ ofAmerican NATO - American these NoSupreme German Supreme Supreme organs, opin-Command control Command Command but . . ion

Total \7est Germany


49/82

(Cont'd from preceding page)The American troops in Germany are placed under

Joint NoneGerman/ of


50/82

"According to everything you have seen or heard, ho\;do you find the behavior of the American soldiers -is it in general good or bad?"

:G

Good Fair "Bad Ho opinionTotal West Germany ; 597o 255^ 4'a 32fo , . . ^ OCP/iSex ;HenWomen

Education:lilementary schoolBeyond elci-^entary

Income ;Up to 149 BLI150 to 299 DM300 to 599 DM400 to 499 DM500 DM and moreITo ans'v.'erOpinion Le adorship ScaleVery activeSome\/hat activeRemainderSocio-Economic Status :Upper classesUpper middle classesLo\.'er middle classesLower classes

Age;Up to 24 years25 to 34 years35 to 44 years45 to 54 years55 years and aboveParty Preference ;SPDCDU/CSUFDPOther partiesNo party'!Sr> party preference

stcitedOccupati on;ProfessionalsBusinessmen',,'hite-collar \.orkersSkilled laborersSemi-skilled laborersDomestic serviceFarmers, farmhandsHouscw'ivesUnemployedPensioners; retiredStudents; apprenticesReligion ;CatholicsProtestantsOthersHo re 1 i gi on


42


51/82


Origin:


52/82

"Do you have the impression, that the relations betweenthe American soldiers and the German civilian populationhave improved or worsened during the past few years?"

Im- Remained Noproved Worsened unchanged opinion

Total West GermanySex:


53/82



54/82

"As -i/hat do you regard the American soldiers in WestGermany: Chiefly as occupation troops or chiefly asa protection for European and V/est German security?"

As occu- As a Both - on


55/82

(cont'd from preceding page)

Origin;NativesExpellees, rcfu^icesCity Size ;Up to 1,9992,000 to 4>9995,000 to 24,99925,000 to 99,999100,000 tn 249>999250,000 and more

Land:Schles'v.'ig/Kol stein,Hamburg, BremenLo'n/er Saxony

ITorth Rhine/,/estphGliaHesseRhineland/Palatinate./uo r 1 1 emb G rg/'BadenBavaria

As occu- As a Both - onpation pro- a fifty/ Notectien fifty basis opinion

W"


56/82

"Considering everythingj does the presence ofAmerican troops in V/est Germany, in your opinion,mean rjore advantages or more disadvantages for us?"Both ad-More vantagesMore dis- and dis-advant- advant- Neither/ adrant-

Gges ages norTotal YtTest GermanySex ;MenWomenEducation :Elementary schoolBeyond ele.aentaryIncome itop

150500400500

tototoDM

149299599499and

DMDMDMDMmore

:

3670

46295450555652574551'544452564454504255545658554740445126

1 670 1 6fo

I'lo ans'i-'erOpinion Leadersh ip ScaleVery active

Some\^hat activeRemainderSocio-Economic Status ;Upper classesUpper middle classesLower middle classesLoiver classes

Age ;Up to 24 years25 to 54 years35 to 44 years45 to 54 years55 5''ears and aboveParty Preference;SPDCDU/CSUFDPOther partiesNo partyNo party preference

statedOccupation ;ProfessionalsBusinessmeni/hite-collar workersSkilled laborersSemi-skilled laborersDomestic serviceFarmers, farmhandsHousev;ivesUnemployedPensioners; retiredStudents; apprentices


18


57/82


Both ad-Ilore vantages


58/82

"Can you tell me vhether or not any economic andcomaercial contacts or relations exist between theGerman population and the American soldiers?"No t of

Yes I'To Don't know casesTotal :/Qst Germany ITyo 24/^ 59^/^, . . 100?^ 1525Sex ;~Tlen 25 27 50 659Women 1 20 66 866jljducation ;

.i]lemcntary school 15 25 62 1264Beyond eleinentary 28 26 46 261Income t

Up to 149 DM 14 22 64 160150 to 299 DM 14 22 64 512500 to 599 DM 16 25 61 366400 to 499 DM 18 24 58 257500 DM and more 25 29 48 545Fo ansver 15 15 70 . 87

Oy^inion Leadership Scale ; , -Very active 26 23 5I , 79Somewhat active 22 24 54 411Remainder 15 24 61 ' 1035Socio-iJconomic Status ;Upper classes 34 29 57 59Upper middle classes 23 20 57 380Lower middle classes 15 24 61 848Lower classes 14 25 61 238

Age ;Up to 24 years 23 28 49 16325 to 54 years 20 21 59 35535 to 44 years 21 22 57 27945 to 54 years 14 25 61 32355 years and ahove 15 2 3 64 405Party Preference ;SPD ' 18 28 54 354CDU/CSU 17 23 60 423FDP 27 30 43 81Other parties 18 29 53 79No party 18 27 55 319I'To party preference stated I4 10 76 269Occupation :Professionals 37 10 55 40Businessmen ' 32 26 42 86,/hite-collar workers 24 29 47 144Skilled laborers 23 29 48 221Semi-skilled laborers 14 29 57 127Domestic service 18 24 58 45Farmers, farmhands 11 24 65 112House-.,'ives 12 21 67 522Unemployed 33 35 34 15Pensioners; retired 13 19 68 200Students; apprentices 38 51 31 13Religion ;Catholics 15 26 59 715Protestants 19 22 59 755Others 18 9 73 22Ho religion 21 24 55 53



59/82

(Cont'd from precoding page)

Origin:


60/82

"Can you tell me '..hether or not any cultural contactsor relations exist bet\/een the German population andthe Auerican soldiers?"


61/82

(Cont'd from precedirii^ P^ge)


62/82

"Can you tell ue whether or not any social contactsor relations exist Tsetv/een the Geraan populationand the Anerican soldiers?"


63/82

(Cont'd fron preceding page)


64/82

"Just inagine your daughter, sister, or soue otherclose feuale, would v/ant to uarry an Anericansoldier, would you like to see that happen, orT/ouldn't you? (Do you like the idea very nuchor just sonev/hat?) (Don' t J-ou like the idea tooDuch or are you very nuch against it?)"


65/82

(Cont'd fron preceding page)


66/82

"All in all, in your opinion, ./ho, as an individualsoldier, makes the best fighter?"

Imori-cans Briti

Total West Q-ermany %Sexj


67/82

(Cont'd rrom preceding pa;ie)

Ameri- No ofcans ^i ri t i sh Germans I'lUssians French opinion casesOrigin:


68/82

"And \/ho is in second place?"

Ameri'!' Ho ofcans British Germans Russians French opinion cases

gotal Vifest^ Germany I6


69/82

(Cont'd from preceding page)No.

jimeri No ofcans British Germans Russians French opinion cases

Origin:


70/82

"And uho is in last place?"

Ameri-

Total West C-erinanySex!

cans1i

No.Wo of

British Germans Russians French opinion cases

Men


71/82



72/82

"Accordin:^, to everything you have seen or heard,do you believe that the American soldiers vho arehere' now \;ill fight well or poorly in case of aRussian attack?"

Total \7est GernanySex:Men


73/82



74/82

"Ts.king everything into consideration, should theAnorican Forces leave Fest Geruany no\; or shouldthey stay on?"


75/82

(Coctfd fron preceding page)


76/82

"West Gernany soon uil set up an arny of its ownwithin NATO - that is, within the West Europeandefense coununity. Do you believe West Gernanywill be recognized as an equal partner by thenenber nations of NATO, or don't you think it"will enjoy equal rights v/ith the others?"

Not recog-


77/82

(Cont'd frou preceding page)

Origin:


78/82

"Tv/0 persons are discussing the possibility of a v.'ar"between East and Uest, Would you please tell ne v/hichview you would be nore likely to agree v/ith?

A - Itr, Mueller: In a war the Geriuan troops wouldhave to bear the brunt of thefighting. The other countrieswould try to spare their troopsas nuch as possible

B - Mr, Schultz: In case of an attack from theEast Geraan troops would haveto face the eneny first, butlater on the amies of ourallies v;ould cone to ourrescue and v/ould bear theburden of the fighting to-gether with us,"


79/82

(cont'd fron preceding page)

Occupation ;ProfessionalsBusinessnenUhite-collar \.orker3Skilled laborersSeni-skilled laborersDonestic serviceFarners, farmhandsHouse\;ivesUnenployedPensioners; retiredStudents, apprenticesReligion ;CatholicsProtestantsOthersNo religion

Origin ;NativesExpellees, refugees

City Size ;Up to 1,9992,000 to 4j9995,000 to 24,99925,000 to 99,999100,000 to 249,999250,000 and noreLand ;SchlesT7ig/Hol stein, Har.iburg,BreaenLov;er SaxonyNorth Rhine/Y.'estphaliaHesseRhineland/PalatinateVuerttenb erg/BadenBavcria


80/82


81/82


82/82

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA

3 0112 069044136

Documents

(1956) The American Soldier Reappraised: A Further Study of Civilian - Troop Relations