760.5/6–1154: Telegram
No. 343
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom
(Aldrich)
to the Department of State1
5679. At first meeting re Balkan alliance today, exploratory discussion was based principally on text contained Deptel 6707.2 British and French representatives could express only personal views. They concurred generally on all points except paragraphs 6 and 7. They put question whether following alternative might be explored:
Rather than Greece and Turkey seeking commensurate commitments from Yugoslavia, as part of treaty or in advance of signing agreement, might some kind of less formal and more gradual link between NATO and Balkan alliance be created? This might be in form of committee of liaison between NATO and Balkan staff or committee, which, it is understood, is being or is to be set up. Their reason for introducing this suggestion was opinion that Balkan partners, while apparently alive to necessity of adjusting guarantees to NATO obligations, might view commitments suggested by US as extending scope of alliance beyond Balkan area. More gradual “link” might provide adequate framework for development of military cooperation and step by step closer association of Yugoslavia with NATO, and at same time give necessary reassurance to other NATO members that Yugoslavia would be reliable associate. French and British representatives probably will have more definitely crystallized ideas at next meeting. Embassy suggests this [Page 652] proposal, if feasible, might permit desirable degree of flexibility in terms for Yugoslav cooperation.
British and French representatives fully concurred in importance of Greece and Turkey giving fullest possible information to NAC before signing new agreement. It was agreed we should explore question of making approach (probably individually by US, UK and/or France) to Greeks and Turks along line of paragraph 8, bearing in mind: (a) desirability of doing so soon, in view of apparent rapid progress of Balkan partners; and (b), on other hand, inadvisability of raising discussion at time which might interfere with Trieste negotiations.
Also agree we should try to formulate ideas of how we believe Balkan alliance should be presented to NAC, in order to obtain favorable reception. It was suggested that, after we have clearer idea what specific provisions may be and what is desirable, individual members of NATO might be informally canvassed before any general discussion.
Next meeting planned for June 16.