768.5 MSP/12–3152: Telegram
No. 665
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Yugoslavia1
835. Eyes only Ambassador. Decision to extend supplemental drought aid to Yugo (Deptel 8242) was reached only after careful consideration of overall Yugo econ picture with view to making available minimum assistance that wld enable tripartite econ program to go forward without serious impairment to important US objectives in Yugo. However we are concerned lest Yugos interpret our assistance at this time as indication we condone recent bombastic statements by Tito and other unhelpful Yugo actions. We therefore plan to accompany announcement which will be made prior Jan 13 re drought aid with some plain talk to disabuse Yugos of any such misconception and also with view to impressing upon them in connection with future assistance programs that cooperation is two way street.
Since Amb Popovic has recently taken initiative in discussing drought aid with UnderSec Bruce,3 latter will call in Popovic on [Page 1326] date of announcement and in substance tell him that although for humanitarian reasons we have decided to extend supplemental food aid to his Govt, we wish at same time to protest the tone taken by Tito in recent speeches in which he implied that he was getting no help from us and making veiled threats about “another outcome.”4 UnderSec will also refer to deep interest of US in Italo–Yugo rapprochement as indispensable link in erection strong collective security system against Sov aggression that part of Eur and emphasize our serious concern re recent Yugo moves which have effect increasing friction between Yugo and our NATO ally, Italy (break with Vatican, fishing boats, etc.).
Bruce’s remarks will be prepared in advance and cabled to you with view your simultaneously taking similar line with Tito.
We believe that this démarche will be more effective coming from US Reps alone and do not contemplate discussing it with Brit and Fr.
In view foregoing it will be necessary for you remain Belgrade at least through Jan 12 and you shld adjust travel plans mentioned your ltr Dec 265 to Barbour accordingly.
- Drafted by Thurston and cleared with Barbour, Byington, Bonbright, Perkins, Matthews, and Bruce.↩
- Telegram 824, Dec. 29, notified the Embassy in Belgrade that the British and French Governments were being requested to join the United States in extending supplementary aid to Yugoslavia and were being told that the sum of $20 million which the United States had decided to provide would meet only the essential minimum needs. (768/5 MSP/12–2952)↩
- See Document 660.↩
- These remarks were made by Tito in his speeches at Smederevska Palanka, Dec. 16.↩
- Not found in Department of State files.↩