80. Backchannel Message From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to the Ambassador to Yugoslavia (Silberman), Washington, January 11, 1976.1 2
Washington, January 11, 1976.
TO:
- EMBASSY BELGRADE, AMBASSADOR SILBERMAN
FROM:
- BRENT SCOWCROFT, THE WHITE HOUSE
SUBJECT:
- U.S.-Yugoslavian Military Relations
REF:
- Belgrade 324
- 1.
- I believe we have finally reached a satisfactory solution of the problem of early provision of a nominal number of TOW systems to Yugoslavia. Delivery of the first four TOWs will take place during the period July-December 1976, the balance to be delivered later from normal production.
- 2.
- Defense is now in final consultation with State, following which the Yugoslavs will be informed. It would be best if you were to await notification of this advanced delivery ivia your normal State and Defense channels before raising it with the Yugoslavs. This will ensure that both Washington and Belgrade are fully and accurately coordinated on the details and timing of the U.S. offer.
- 3.
- I think you will agree that this will mark a significant advance in U.S.-Yugoslav military relations. If momentum is to be maintained, the Yugoslav military will have to be responsive to U.S. Defense counterpart requirements — particularly in following up on our offers of equipment and our requirements for fuller information or clarification on Yugoslav requests.
- 4.
- The President appreciates the great job you are doing; needless to say, your role will continue to be central to the prospects for further improvements in U.S.-Yugoslav relations.
- 5.
- Best regards, Brent.