768.5–MAP/4–251
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for Congressional Relations (McFall) to the Under Secretary of State (Webb)
Subject: Report to the President on Congressional Consultation on Yugoslav Aid under the MDAA
The Secretary informed the President that aid to Yugoslavia under MDA to the extent of approximately $30 million was being planned and that Congressional consultation was in process. It was originally planned that Assistant Secretary Perkins and representatives of the other interested agencies would consult with the Foreign Relations, Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the two Armed Services Committees.
Consultation with the Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs Committees has been completed. The reaction of the Foreign Affairs Committee was favorable. Senator Connally indicated his present dislike of the proposal but also that he might change his mind. Francis Wilcox is checking with him further and it is our belief that the Senator will not actively oppose the plan. Senator Smith, the only other Committee member present, was favorable. Senators Russell, Bridges and Saltonstall of the Armed Services Committee were invited to participate in the consultation with the Foreign Relations Committee, but did not attend the meeting. No consultation has been had with the members of the House Armed Services Committee. I have asked Mr. Perkins to inform Senator Russell by letter of the proposal as presented to the Foreign Relations Committee. Inasmuch as the House Armed Services Committee does not participate in the consideration of the MDA legislation and has not previously been consulted on Yugoslav aid, it has been decided that we need not seek consultation with that Committee at this time.
Since the President was informed of the proposed Congressional consultation, it would seem necessary to report to him on the status of consultation before finalizing our plans for such aid to Yugoslavia.
[Page 1772]Recommendation:
That you report the result of the consultation to the President in your meeting with him today and inform him that we are ready to proceed if he concurs.1
- The subject of aid to Yugoslavia was one of the topics discussed between President Truman and Secretary of State Acheson at their meeting of April 2. According to the Secretary’s brief memorandum of conversation on the subject, the President was given a brief review of Congressional consultation and he approved of proceeding as recommended. (Secretary’s Memoranda, lot 53D444)↩