840.20/9–249
The Secretary of Defense (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: In their memorandum dated 22 August 1949, the Joint Chiefs of Staff informed me that they had modified their previously expressed concept regarding the membership in the regional planning groups under the North Atlantic Treaty organization by indicating “participation as appropriate” for all nations not designated [Page 323] as full members of these groups. I give you herewith their further views concerning the proper meaning of this phrase.
Insofar as “participation as appropriate” is applicable to U.S. membership in regional groups, the Joint Chiefs of Staff have reached the following conclusion: The term “participation as appropriate” should not be rigidly defined at this time, but should remain in a flexible status in order to protect thoroughly U.S. interests. It can, however, be broadly interpreted as follows:
- a.
- “Participation as appropriate” will be considered as tantamount to full U.S. military membership in military planning matters on which the U.S. position on policy is already clearly defined by J.C.S. or other action, such as, employment of U.S. occupation troops and implementation of the Military Aid Program.
- b.
- In other matters relating to military planning for the defense of the North Atlantic area and, in particular, of the area composed of the nations signatory to the Brussels Pact, U.S. “participation as appropriate” will depend on U.S. interest in the subject matter under consideration and will be governed by policy established from time to time by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- c.
- “Participation as appropriate” may be further interpreted as permitting increased participation in military planning at appropriate levels within the limitations indicated in paragraph a. above.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff consider that this interpretation of the term “participation as appropriate” is suitable and sufficient for guidance of the Department of State representatives in the current international discussions on the military organization under the North Atlantic Treaty.
Sincerely yours,