868.03/10–750: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
2232. For past few weeks Dept has been in touch with Brit Govt on subj steps each might take to help meet current drought crisis [Page 1487] in Yugo. (For background see Current For Rel Oct 181). Subj was discussed at mtg here Oct 24 attended by reps of Fr and Can Embs as well as Brit. When asked whether Fr Govt intended do anything which wld contribute to getting Yugo through difficult period of next few months, Fr rep said he had no instrs on matter and knew of no contemplated measures of aid to Yugo. He believed Fr position on credits or other aid to Yugo still governed by failure Yugos to reach agreement with Fr on nationalization and debt claims.
Brit inform us that they have already approached Fr Govt on subj cooperation in dealing with Yugo drought crisis, and they now have asked Dept to associate itself with renewed approach asking Fr what they can do to help.
Accordingly suggest you take early occasion to mention to FonOff subj of Yugo’s extraordinary needs owing to drought, on which we assume Fr Emb Belgrade has reported to Paris (see Belgrade’s 334 Oct 7 rptd Paris 412). You shld (1) refer to discussion by 3 FonMins in NY Sept 18 on situation resulting from drought and need for certain measures of econ assistance to Yugo as means strengthening Yugo efforts to maintain independence in face Sov pressures;3 (2) state that US exploring all means under existing authority with purpose meeting in so far as possible Yugo need for shipment approx $30 million worth food before Jan 1; (3) indicate your understanding UK prepared to extend further credits to Yugo for food and consumer goods; and (4) inquire whether Fr Govt can see way clear to sharing burden which must be taken up by Western powers if they are not to risk recapture Yugo by Sov bloc.
Fr Emb here has been informed US Govt is exploring possibilities grant aid under existing leg, as through use of MDAP and/or ECA funds, but no decision yet on just how it will be done. FYI Brit contemplate credit five million pounds to Yugo. Suggest you coordinate with Brit Emb before approaching FonOff. We have informed Brit Emb Wash that you have been instrd to raise subj with Fr on above lines.4
- Current Foreign Relations was a classified, weekly review of major foreign policy events and issues. It was prepared by the Policy Information Committee of the Department of State and was circulated within the Department and to posts abroad.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Regarding the tripartite meeting of Foreign Ministers in New York, September 12–18, see the editorial note, p. 1447.↩
- Telegram 2452, November 3, from Paris, not printed, reported that officers of the American and British Embassies had discussed with French Foreign Ministry officials the question of emergency assistance to Yugoslavia. The French were fully informed of the steps being taken by the American and British Governments but had no specific plans of their own in the same direction (868.03/11–350).↩