Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Eastern Europe; Finland; Greece; Turkey, Volume X, Part 2

129. Telegram From the Embassy in Yugoslavia to the Department of State⁰

Belgrade, June 20, 1958, 3 p.m.

1705. Belgrade’s 1704.¹ Series recent developments and first evidence Yugoslav concern over possible Soviet or satellite military pressure if not military attack suggest parallel with developments beginning 1948.

While larger issues in terms US-UK and US-French relations are involved that can be seen from here, from our limited viewpoint there might well be advantage in picking up French suggestion (Paris telegram 6024 to Department)² that consultation between interested western powers be initiated, perhaps along line of tripartite approach utilized in early 1950³ or even within NATO. Purpose in first instance would be coordination of western position increased economic assistance to Yugoslavia when this is requested. At same time attention could be given to preparation common position for eventuality of military pressure. Whether or not we from western point of view would wish take any initiative at this time in endeavoring recreate a military relationship with Yugoslavia along lines which began to emerge between 50 and 53, we cannot judge from here. However should pressure intensify Yugoslavs themselves might cite moral commitments implicit in military conversations 52 and 53 (see for example Embassy despatch 551, May 9 not repeated lateral addressees)⁴ a possibility for which I suggest we should be prepared.

Rankin

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 768.5/6–2058. Secret. Repeated to London, Moscow, and Paris.
1. Document 128.
2. Telegram 6024, June 18, reported on possible Yugoslav efforts to renew diplomatic ties with the Federal Republic of Germany. (Department of State, Central Files, 662A.68/6–1859)
3. For documentation, see Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. IV, pp. 1338 ff.
4. This despatch contained a memorandum suggesting ways in which the United States could fulfill its military commitment to Yugoslavia. (Department of State, Central Files, 110.4–OIR/5–958)