760.5/6–1754: Telegram
No. 345
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom
(Aldrich)
to the Department of State1
5797. Balkan Alliance Group second meeting. British representative informed us of Greek request that Britain endeavor persuade Italian Government take “more reasonable” attitude toward alliance. Foreign Office does not believe any further such representation should be made to Italians now. British Embassies Washington and Paris have been instructed inform Department and French Foreign Office.
British and French had reports similar to Athens 2958 to Department2 that Greek concept would provide for automatic military assistance in event of attack by or through Bulgaria, but more flexible provisions comparable to Article V of NAT in event of other attack. They also had reports along line of numbered sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) of Ankara’s 1331 to Department,3 that Turks appeared concerned that entire areas of three partners (i.e. particularly including Turkey’s Eastern frontiers) should be covered by alliance formula, and French believed Turks would shortly approach US/UK/French for consultation in matter.
Foreign Office instructed that it did not favor an arrangement which would provide for automatic assistance in one area and more equivocal commitments in others, because (1) such distinction might open up way to maneuver and undesirable uncertainty in cooperation among partners or by them with other powers, and (2) any provision for completely automatic military assistance might [Page 655] be viewed as resulting in too great an extension (even though indirect) of NATO commitments and be repellent to at least some NATO members. French believe effort should be to cover whole of the partners’ frontiers by guarantees similar, probably, to Article V of NAT.
British and French representatives elucidated somewhat their thoughts re a link between NATO and Balkan alliance. The objective would be to coordinate military arrangements of Balkan partners with those of NATO and ensure that Yugoslav participation commensurate with benefits. It would ultimately mean integration Balkan plans and command structure with those of SACEUR, probably, if possible, through CINCSOUTH. This would of course have to be worked out at some stage by SACEUR and in consultation with the partners. But in any event it is envisaged that with creation of Balkan military alliance, a staff or committee should be established to consult and coordinate with appropriate NATO military command; and, eventually, probably also a political commission to consult with NAC. Overall provision for such arrangements might be made by an exchange of protocols guaranteeing assistance and consultation between Balkan alliance and NATO, similar to those proposed for EDC. British and French representatives did not have precise ideas for timing of effecting such arrangements; latter said he believed French would generally favor trying to see them completed as rapidly as possible, perhaps by time of actual signing of treaty, while British felt more time for step-by-step process might be required.
British and French were informed, accordance Deptel 6811,4 that US has informally given Greeks and Turks its views re referring alliance plans to NAC and believes further approach at this time might be undesirable. They concurred. They felt, however, we might try to be prepared with questions or suggestions, particularly in view of possibly imminent approach from Turks. Group will meet tomorrow morning June 18 to outline suggestions for consideration by superiors. Headings might include:
- (1)
- Expression of welcome by US/UK/French of current developments.
- (2)
- Suggestion that guarantees might be in flexible terms similar Article V of NAT.
- (3)
- Question of just what Turks (or Greeks) have in mind to provide for guarantees by Yugoslavs to assist in event Greece and Turkey become involved as result of their NATO obligations.
- (4)
- Implications re military coordination with NATO.
- (5)
- Suggestion of commission for political liaison with NAC.
- (6)
- Importance of informing NATO members in fullest possible detail and sufficiently in advance to permit consideration.
- (7)
- Suggestion that treaty (like Ankara Pact) should include provision that alliance shall not affect Greece and Turkey’s NATO rights and obligations.
British and French officially agreed numbered points 1–6 Deptel 6811, assuming “corrective action” in point 5 refers to drafting stage of treaty.