768.5/7–1451: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom 1
priority
300. Eyes only for Amb. In planning for possibility Soviet-inspired aggression against Yugo and operational measures which [Page 1828] might be taken in that event, Dept of Defense desires undertake conversations with appropriate mil auths of UK, Fr and Italy, for which approval on polit level required. While this question concerns all NATO countries and will be introduced into Council Deputies and SG in due course, direct bilateral talks by US mil reps with UK, Fr and Ital mil reps considered necessary as immed measure.
Approach appropriate officals govt to which accredited making fol points:
- 1.
- Western nations cooperating in policy toward Yugo which finds expression in current programs of econ and arms aid.
- 2.
- In pursuit objectives this policy they must also consider possible action to be taken in event attack on Yugo actually occurs. Such would of course be polit decision of utmost importance which perhaps can only be taken in light of circumstances existing at the time of attack. However, without prejudice to such decision, US Govt regards as prudent and necessary initiation of mil discussions for development of common plans and understanding.
- 3.
- US Govt has in mind, re scope of planning, that it be confined to action which might be taken, short of initiating global conflict, in response to overt satellite attack on Yugo, although it will be essential that planning for ltd action not compromise steps which wld be required if global conflict were to result from such attack.
- 4.
- US Govt believes that mil planning for eventuality satellite attack on Yugo shld be initiated soon as possible within NAT framework. Such planning, involving no commitment as to action, wld be for use of NAT forces when strong enough to permit use in support of Yugo in addition to requirements for defense NAT areas, if NAT govts after consultation under provisions of art 4 of NAT, determined action to be appropriate.
- 5.
- Meanwhile, more urgent problem is initiation staff talks between US and NAT members most directly concerned, to develop plans, particularly re use of bases, with understanding planning involves no commitments except by subsequent mutual agreement.
- 6.
- US Govt earnestly hopes govt concerned will give agreement, on basis of which US mil auths will request Chiefs of Staff of that govt to designate an officer with whom mil staff talks can be held promptly in Eur on subj plans for mil support for Yugo in case of attack on that country.
Emb Rome in approaching Ital Govt shld introduce subj by referring to recent US, UK and Fr consideration of related problem of provision of arms assistance to Yugo. Suggest Emb say Ital Govt being informed this matter because of its direct interest in Yugo situation and gen agreement, indicated in NATO Deputies consideration of subj and in other ways, with policy Western support to Yugo to maintain independence against pressures and possible attack from east. Point out (1) three govts have had this problem under study and are preparing to make certain matériel available to Yugo for purpose strengthening Yugo armed forces; (2) Yugo requirements [Page 1829] have been gone over and each of three govts has been given consideration to which of these requirements it might fill; (3) In this connection Col. Gen. Koca Popovic, Chief of Staff Yugo armed forces, made visit to US in May and June. (4) Following his visit Yugo Govt on June 28 made formal request to US Govt for arms aid, to which Dept giving urgent and sympathetic consideration. (5) Can be assumed any aid provided on basis this request wld be under MDAP or new MSP legislation. US has already sent one shipment, largely small arms and arms [sic], prior to formal Yugo request and not on basis that legislation.
FYI, Brit and Fr have agreed desirable give Itals such gen info on tripartite program arms assistance to Yugo. More detailed info may be provided later.
- Drafted by Campbell and cleared with Perkins, Bonbright, Matthews, Captain Murtaugh of Defense, and RA. Also sent to Paris and Rome, and sent by pouch to Belgrade.↩