760.5/6–1854: Telegram
No. 346
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom
(Aldrich)
to the Department of State1
5846. Balkan Alliance Group Third Meeting. French representative urged that if US/UK/France are not approached soon by Turks (or Greeks) we should make démarche to Greeks and Turks, to give them our views re alliance. He first suggested June 22 as date for proposed démarche, but at end of meeting modified this to “as soon as possible.” Reason for urging prompt action was French Foreign Office felt possible difficulties might be forestalled if tripartite views were conveyed to Greeks and Turks before process of drafting terms of alliance were too far along. US representative reiterated US felt further approach at this time might be undesirable and believed next approach should be when US/UK/France are in position make concrete suggestions based on knowledge proposed terms; doubted that Department would wish to agree to proposed initiative, but would submit proposal for consideration. US representative also expressed personal view that if any initiative should be taken by US/UK/France in approaching Greeks and Turks, that might best be done in each capital by one speaking for all three, rather than as a tripartite démarche, in order that it be completely informal and possibly avoid risk of prompting doubt or questions on part of other NATO members.
French also suggested we should try to have draft of treaty presented to NAC for consideration as soon as agreed at expert level among three Balkan partners. US representative agreed presentation of alliance plans to NATO should allow genuine consideration by all NATO partners, but suggested method and timing probably [Page 657] should await further knowledge on part US/UK/France re proposed terms, and in any event would require careful thought.
French idea for substance of proposed démarche was that Greeks and Turks should be informed that West’s ultimate objective is integration of Yugoslavia into western defense structure, and US/UK/France consider that:
- (1)
- NAC must be consulted before Balkan military alliance is concluded;
- (2)
- Greek/Turkish obligations under NATO should be specifically safeguarded;
- (3)
- Terms of reciprocal obligations on part of Yugoslavs should be explained;
- (4)
- Obligations for joint action might be similar to Article V of NAT;
- (5)
- Provision should be made for political liaison between NATO and Balkan alliance, probably through a ministerial council and committee; and
- (6)
- Military arrangements under Balkan alliance should be such as to fit into NATO military arrangements for Southeast Europe.
US representative said he personally believed such statement would go considerably further than we should at this time, because (1) US/UK/France cannot speak for NATO, particularly with respect to integration of Yugoslavia into western defense structure or formal recognition of Balkan alliance by NATO which is implied in specific suggestion for political liaison. (2) Similarly, US/UK/France should not at this stage invite discussion of specific military arrangements. (3) Immediate purpose should simply be to learn nature of proposed terms of alliance and, as appropriate, take steps to assure that it does not conflict with Greece and Turkey’s NATO obligations or does not result in objectionable imbalance of obligations, and that proper consideration by NATO partners is permitted. British representatives generally supported this position.
It was agreed that group at next meeting June 21 would, unless otherwise instructed, draft for consideration of Department and respective Foreign Offices text of possible statement for use if it should be decided to make representations to Greeks and/or Turks. It would consist of general reassurance that development of Balkan military alliance is welcomed by US/UK/France as step toward closer political and military association of Yugoslavia with west, reminder that it must be carefully and properly presented to NATO partners for consultation, explanation that US/UK/France wish to assure satisfactory handling with NATO, and, to this end, general questions or suggestions on points which are of concern to US.
- Repeated for information to Paris, Athens, Ankara, and Belgrade.↩