768.5/3–1251
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Perkins) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Matthews)1
Subject: Recommendation that British be informed of Velebit request for arms assistance to Yugoslavia.
With reference to the discussions with Mr. Velebit and preparations now in progress to provide the Yugoslavs certain arms and equipment … during the next few weeks, EUR suggests the desirability of giving some indication to the British now of the action being taken on the Velebit approach. It was initially considered that it would be best not to advise the British until about the time we were ready to turn the first shipment over to the Yugoslavs. In [Page 1747] view of our practice of close consultation with the British, however, as well as the discussions now in prospect with respect to the list presented to the British by the Yugoslavs, EUR believes it would be desirable at least to give the British a general indication of what is going on without too much delay. Otherwise, we not only would run the risk of possible embarrassment or suspicion of bad faith, but would have failed to be as forthcoming with the British as we expect them to be with us.
EUR would see no objection to advising the British fully regarding the Velebit approach and the action being taken thereon, although it might in some respects be premature until we know that plans are actually working out. For the present it is believed it might suffice to say to Jellicoe the next time he comes in, in general and even casual language, something to this effect:
“We have had our people looking around to see if they can’t find some uncommitted equipment, even if it is obsolete and in very small quantities, which we could turn over to the Yugoslavs, almost immediately and as unobtrusively as possible, to help keep up their morale. We are not sure what can be done along this line, but are looking into it. Naturally, it’s being gone into in the utmost secrecy.”
EUR would appreciate knowing whether you agree that such mention of the project might be made at this time. At an appropriate time later on we can give the British more detailed information and determine how the matter should be handled in relation to possible Tripartite Working Group talks.2
- Drafted by Huston and initialed by Perkins.↩
- According to a note from Matthews’ office dated March 22 attached to the source text, Matthews approved of this recommendation. The following day Huston informed Lord Jellicoe of the British Embassy as instructed. (Memorandum of conversation, March 23, 768.5/3–2351)↩