Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XIII, Western Europe Region

71. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Regional Organizations¹

Washington, January 18, 1965, 6:45 p.m.

Topol 959. Ref: Polto 1037.² Discussions to date on Malta-NATO have resulted only in temporary informal arrangement for NATO Headquarters on island and reached no conclusion on ultimate form of Maltese political link to NATO, if any.

We are not aware that Borg Olivier is seriously embarrassed now by presence of Headquarters and lack of NATO relationship. However, ambiguous situation can be exploited by Mintoff and very likely become issue this autumn when election campaign expected to get underway.

Although there is no immediate emergency, it is only temporary lull of which NATO should take advantage. NAC discussions last autumn showed how confused and futile these can be in face of deadlines. They demonstrated also that there is no unanimity among NATO countries on Malta and considerable inclination to let matter drift.

Our view of Western interest in area has not changed since last August (see Topol 267).³ We hope NAC will reach consensus favorable to retention NATO Headquarters through some form of association with Malta. If made within reasonably early time, favorable decision would: (1) enhance Malta’s link with West; (2) enable Borg Olivier to counter his critics; (3) forestall insistence on unrealistic demands on GOM or opposition—which could lead to hostile impasse. Although NAC discussion may not initially be productive, we think Malta-NATO relationship should be result of thoughtful and careful decision by Alliance members.

Accordingly, if you think these comments persuasive, we suggest you encourage Brosio to call for PermReps’ private discussion and if such meeting held, you may as appropriate draw on this message, Topol 267 of Aug 18, and subsequent messages this subject to try to convey to others need for deliberate consideration and action now while atmosphere tranquil, it being secondary whether matter pursued thereafter by Brosio and International Staff, through PermReps, or in NAC.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, NATO 6 MALTA. Confidential. Drafted by George S. Vest (EUR/RPM); cleared by Popper, BNA, and L/EUR; and approved by Schaetzel. Repeated to Valletta and Rome.
2. Polto 1037 from Paris, January 14, reported Brosio’s concern that Malta might formally apply for NATO membership and asked for guidance on the question. (Ibid.)
3. See footnote 2, Document 31.