Office of the Historian

216. Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)1

Washington, June 24, 1969.

SUBJECT

  • Holding Yugoslav Hands in Connection with Presidentʼs Stop in Bucharest

In view of past correspondence and conversations, I think we need to say something to the Yugoslavs before the Presidentʼs Romanian trip2 is publicly announced. Tito will undoubtedly feel let down.

I would suggest that you call in the Yugoslav Ambassador (or, if you have schedule problems, I could talk to the DCM, whom I know well) on the day the Presidentʼs plans are to be announced to say the following:

  • —the President is visiting several countries after the Apollo splashdown, but his schedule is extremely tight;
  • —in response to a long-standing invitation he will be making a brief stop in Romania;
  • —the President gave thought to the possibility of visiting Yugoslavia on this occasion;
  • —he has always wanted to do so but had also wanted to be able to spend several days so that he could really acquaint himself with the country and its people;
  • —because of his extremely tight schedule he therefore did not on this occasion explore the possibility of a visit to Yugoslavia;
  • —the President still very much wants to make such a visit and hopes this will be possible under circumstances when he is under less time pressure.

In the event you wish to run this approach past the President (which I personally would not think necessary), there is attached a memorandum for your signature at Tab A.3

[Page 530]

Recommendation

1. That you (or I) approach the Yugoslavs shortly before the announcement of the Presidentʼs trip to make the points set forth above.

Approve4

Disapprove

Joan set up appointment with Yugoslav Ambassador

Sonnenfeldt handle with DCM. Yes5 No

2. That, if you first want to check with the President, you sign the attached memorandum.6

  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 733, Country Files—Europe, Yugoslavia, Vol. I through Jul 70. Secret; Nodis. Sent for action.↩
  2. The trip was announced on June 28; see Documents 183 and 184.↩
  3. Attached but not printed.↩
  4. Kissinger initialed this option.↩
  5. Kissinger initialed this option.↩
  6. Kissinger did not sign the attached memorandum. In telegram 1919 from Belgrade, July 4, the Embassy reported that Yugoslav senior officials “thoroughly endorsed” the Presidentʼs trip and its objectives. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 15–1 YUGO)↩