Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Europe: Political and Economic Developments, Volume IV, Part 2

No. 933

768.5–MAP/10–2051: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Yugoslavia ¹

secret

Washington, October 30, 1951—7:26 p.m.

458. Toisa.

1. FYI Gen Collins in commenting on Embtels 519² and 521³ Oct 19 and 20 informed Def that during talks with “Amb Allen, Tito, and Popovic there was no agreement to change Amer position other than to call chief of mission Armed Services MilAtt” and recommended Def stand except as regards chiefs title on its previous position, e.g., prior clarification re observation end use and maintenance our aid and re initial size of aid group.

2. Re Embtel 521, Dept and Def are not prepared conclude bilateral until Yugos agree to initial staff of 15 officers plus 15 supporting personnel and that group will be able to observe end use and maintenance of our aid. Suggest you reply to Mates in fol sense: “With ref your letter blank date (Embtel 521) which I duly communicated to my govt I have been instructed inform you that while my govt regrets necessity for further delay in concluding bilateral agreement it is prepared to accede to your suggestion that few remaining unagreed points be worked out in Belgrade after arrival senior rep US Armed Forces, in connection with which you indicated Brig Gen Harmony wld be most acceptable your govt. It is also agreeable, however, that the present discussions between the Emb and the FonOff be continued to the end that if possible these matters may be resolved and the agreement concluded in advance of Brig Gen Harmony’s arrival in Belgrade. The unagreed points are the number of assistants initially required by Gen Harmony and acknowledgement that it will be possible for his staff to observe end use and maintenance of assistance furnished Yugo under bilateral agreement. Both of these points were mentioned in greater detail in my let to you Oct 11 last.

I am informed that in accordance with foregoing Gen Harmony is being instructed proceed to Belgrade as soon as possible.”⁴

3. Believe desirable at same time orally disabuse Yugos of apparent impression (para 2 Embtel 519) that we desire observe end use and maintenance our aid merely in order submit satisfactory reports to Cong.

4. Def advises that Gen Harmony cannot arrive Belgrade before third week Nov.

5. Shld appropriate opportunity arise during review with Yugos of bilateral text, request you seek their agreement to inclusion fol minor changes which, however, not of sufficient importance justify raising them otherwise.

(a) Art I para 2—insert “internatl” before “peace and security” in order accord better with purposes of MS Act;

(b) Art IV para 2—amend to read “… equipment imported into or exported from its territory in connection with this Agreement or any similar agreement between the Govt of the USA and the govt of any other country receiving mil assistance”. These changes desirable in order clarify intent and make para consistent with language rest of agreement.

6. Def has strong preference for aid group chief title which wld clearly indicate Harmony’s duties will not encompass regular MilAtt functions. Para II Embtel 519 suggests Yugos may not regard title as agreed. Shld title in para 1 above be open to variation, suggest if you see no objection proposing “Mil Assistance Attaché” or “Emb Adviser for Mil Assistance”. Def is prepared if necessary, however, accept “Armed Service Attaché” or “Armed Services MilAtt”.

Webb

1. Drafted by Gannett and cleared with Higgs, Gray of L/E, and Colonel Dziuban of Defense.
2. Telegram 519 summarized Beam’s conversation with Mates on October 18 concerning the bilateral military assistance agreement. While Mates noted that the Yugoslav Government was ready to sign the draft agreement, several points of disagreement remained such as the title of the chief of the military mission and the size of the group. (768.5–MAP/10–1951)
3. Telegram 521 transmitted the text of a letter from Mates which stated that the Yugoslav Government was ready to sign the bilateral military assistance agreement and that the question of the size of the U.S. military group could be settled when General Harmony, who was appointed to head the U.S. mission to Belgrade, arrived in Belgrade. (768.5–MAP/10–2051)
4. In telegram 595 from Belgrade, November 2, Allen informed the Department of State that the letter proposed here was delivered to the Yugoslav Foreign Ministry. When it was delivered personally by Allen, he told the Yugoslav officials that he regretted that the bilateral agreement could not be signed until these matters were settled. (768.5–MAP/11–251)