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Documents on Canadian External Relations
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Volume #18 - 485. | |
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CHAPTER V NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION | |
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PART
9 YUGOSLAVIA: MILITARY AID | |
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485. |
DEA/50259-40 |
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Memorandum from Defense Liaison (1) Division to European Division | |
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SECRET |
Ottawa,
April 2nd, 1952 |
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MILITARY AID TO YUGOSLAVIA | |
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As you will recall, the question of making available to Yugoslavia certain items of ammunition and equipment from Canadian Army stock of United Kingdom type was considered by Cabinet on two occasions, but no final decision was reached. At that time one of the main difficulties in the way of a contribution by Canada was the availability of equipment which could be offered to Yugoslavia after NATO countries' requirements are met. Our interim reply to the United States military authorities in June 1951, was based on the fact that the very limited amount of equipment available might not be of great use to Yugoslavia. Although we considered that no further action was required on the part of the Canadian authorities, the United States authorities were still keeping the matter in mind. Recently we received two telegrams from Washington informing us of the intention of the United States military authorities to place a bid with the Standing Group for unallocated Canadian 25-pounders. (Telegrams WA 726, WA 828).?
2. The Standing Group was recently requested by the Canadian authorities to recommend allocations of all the remaining 25-pounder guns and ammunition. After the bids from NATO countries were A met, 164 25-pounder guns were still available. Standing Group recommended on March 26, 1952 that the 25-pounder guns left over, should, subject to the approval of the Canadian Government, be allocated to the United States for delivery to Yugoslavia together with some ammunition. The decision that the guns be allocated to the United States is apparently a device to overcome possible Canadian legislative obstacles to a direct transfer to Yugoslavia. 3. During a telephone conversation this morning with Major Carroll, Chiefs of Staff Secretariat, we were told that the Canadian Joint Staff in Washington have reiterated their request to the Standing Group that they first determine whether Greece and Turkey have any requirements for the remaining 25-pounders. The Chiefs of Staff Secretariat feel that, in accordance with Canadian Government policy to make available surplus United Kingdom army type equipment to NATO countries, Greece and Turkey should be given an opportunity to make a bid for the remaining guns. However, it is my understanding that General Foulkes intends to submit to Cabinet Defence Committee the question as to whether Canada should, as a matter of policy, make available equipment to Yugoslavia. 4. The problem is of considerable importance as it will no doubt raise various public reactions. Therefore, in order to be in a position to advise the Minister when the matter is discussed by Cabinet, it would be useful if European Division would study the political implications of this question. Legal Division is also asked to look into its legal aspects. | |
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