Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

NLT/Naval Aide)224 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE the DECLASSIFIED.402 WASHINGTON State Dept. E.O. 12065, Guidelines, NLT, Sec. Date March 9-5-05 6, 1982 July 16, 1951 By IDPSECRIT SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS YUGOSLAVIA We have informed our Embassies in London, Paris, and Rome that, in planning for the possi- bility of Soviet-inspired aggression against Yugoslavia and the operational measures which might be taken in that event, the Defense Department de- - sires to undertake conversations with the appropriate military authorities of the UK, France and Italy, for which approval on a political level will be required. While this question concerns all NATO countries and will be introduced into the Council Deputies and Standing Group in due course, di- rect bilateral talks by US military representatives with British, French, and Italian military representatives are considered necessary as an im- mediate measure. Accordingly, we have instructed our Ambassa- dors in these countries to approach officials of the governments stating that in pursuit of the objectives of their policy toward Yugoslavia, the Western nations must consider the possible action to be taken in the event an attack on Yugoslavia actually occurs, and that, without prejudice to the political decision which would have to be taken in the light of the circum- stances existing at the time of attack, the US Government regards the in- itiation of military discussions for the development of common plans and understanding as both prudent and necessary. It will be made clear that the US believes that military planning for the eventuality of a satellit e attack on Yugoslavia should be initiated as soon as possible within the NAT frame- work, but that the more urgent problem is the initiation of staff talks be- tween the US and the NAT members most directly concerned, to develop plans, particularly with regard to the use of bases, with the understanding that the planning involves no commitments except by subsequent mutual agreement. When the government concerned has agreed, the US military authorities will ask that the Chiefs of Staff of that government designate an officer with whom military staff talks can be held promptly on plans for military support for Yugoslavia in case of attack on that country. TURKEY The Turkish Foreign Minister has given our Am- - bassador in Ankara a copy of the Turkish reply to the note from British Foreign Minister Morrison setting forth the British TOP SECRE T