740.5/6–2051: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative on the North Atlantic Council (Spofford) to the Secretary of State
Depto 1149. Eyes only.
1. On balance believe it preferable that SG initiate planning re mil action which NATO might take in case attack on Yugo (Todep 527, June 161). This readily justified as implementation paras II (D) and (E) D–D (51) 29 (final).2
2. We inclined think this procedure preferable to involving CD at this point for following reasons in addition to that of speed mentioned in reftel: (1) raising question in CD might give further opportunity some other deps to raise substance Mediterranean issue; (2) since procedure contemplated is purely planning, see some advantage in keeping NATO action at military rather than political level where some countries might be inclined proceed more slowly. At present state, problem appears purely military and initially one of obtaining info on available Yugo forces and materiel and their needs and secondarily what should be done by NAT govts.
3. However, political consideration will presumably become necessary when question of commitments (also possibly on priorities of equipment) are posed, and it would be desirable to maintain support which we have so far obtained from smaller countries on Yugo by political consultation in CD. Accordingly recommend that at an early date, assuming Greek-Turk and Mediterranean situation are by then slightly clearer, MilRepCom and CD be informed that SG has initiated studies from military point of view of possible steps in line with paras II (D) and (E) of D–D (51) 29 (final).
4. Re para 4 reftel, while we could not estimate with any assurance what time might be required to secure CD approval if question raised there first, we do see possibilities for delay (see para 2 above). We have no reason to believe that reaction of other govts to SG going ahead would be seriously adverse, provided CD and MilRepCom advised at early state and it is made clear SG’s work was merely military study for governmental consideration in due course.
5. CINCNELM and JAMAG concur.