768.5–MAP/10–1151: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Allen) to the Secretary of State 1
priority
462. Discussion with Tito today re size and duties of mil advisory group was inconclusive but believe some progress made. Beam and Mates participated.
After detailing points made in Deptel 374 October 9,2 I commented that no matter how carefully agrmt on these subjects might be drafted, satisfactory fulfilment depended on elimination of suspicions and determination both sides to make agreement work. I said our understanding of Yugo’s special situation was shown by our willingness agree to mission only 1/3 size of groups in other countries with comparable aid program. If Yugo Govt had taken advantage of our invitation to observe operation of MAAG in other countries, I was confident Yugos would have better understanding of purpose of such groups.
Tito gave lengthy exposé of special Yugo situation emphasizing strength of Yugo army lay not in number of divisions but in its revolutionary zeal, unified in determination to defend country’s independence from any foreign domination. He said presence of Amer officers going about visiting barracks, depots and installations
[Page 1855]would undermine very basics for “high Yugo army morale”, and declared while he was anxious obtain much needed Amer equip, he would forgo all aid rather than run any risk whatever of letting impression be created among his troops that US had assumed role USSR previously held here.
I said I thought functions and intentions of US group had been seriously misunderstood since purpose was solely to concern itself with proper utilization Amer supplies. Beam outlined specific functions of groups, pointing out officers would be kept busy if they carried out planning, coordination and supply functions alone.
Tito said he thought approach to problem had perhaps been too rigid. He conceded that written agreement re size and functions of group was not necessary and way should be left open for flexibility. He thought Yugo Govt itself might well suggest considerably larger group once program was well underway, particularly if strategic discussions began, as he hoped they would.
At conclusion Tito said several new thoughts had developed during our conversation and that he would immed discuss subject with his mil advisers and let us hear from him perhaps later today or tomorrow. I referred to General Collins’ hope that agreement could be reached before he arrived and urged early solution.