LETTER (Sanitized)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01495R001100070056-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 15, 2005
• Sequence Number: 56
• Publication Date: March 5, 1974
• Content Type: LETTER

C'CY TNCIL ON FOREIGN RELA` TONS, INC.
Approved For Relea 2005/08/22: CIA- DP80B01 95ROOU00070056-5
THE HAROLD PRATT HOUSE 1 58 EST 68TI I STREET, NEIV YORK, N.Y. 10021 1 TEL. [phone] CABLE: COUNFOREL, NEW YORK
"arch 5, 1.174
At the present time of flux in Soviet-American relations and of uncertain
prospects in Europa and in the ??[iddle East, the importance of the Balkan and
Eastern ?MMediterranean region (roughly defined as Yugoslavia, Rumania, Bulgaria,
Albania, (.,reece, Turkey, Cyprus and surrounding seas) should be self-evident.
But when it comes to defining what that importance is and where the. region fits
into present and future strategies and interests of the United States and other
powers, nothing is self-evident. In fact there is a good deal of confusion --
about where commitments run and how seriously they are to be taken, about the
Soviet-American detente-cum-competition and naval rivalry in the Mediterranean,,
about internal crises in Yugoslavia, Creer_e or other countries which could in-
vite outside intervention or explode across frontiers, and many other matters.
We need to take a fresh look at the area and at existing U.S. policies, and per-
haps also to seek some new perspectives. Accordingly, the Council on Foreign
Relations has decide(l to undertake a study centered on this region. Raymond A.
Hare, former Assistant Secretary of State and Ambassador to Turkey, has agreed
to serve as chairman. On behalf of Ambassador Nara, I am pleased to extend to
you a cordial invitation to be a member of the group. It is not easy to find
.individuals with the right combination. of interest and experience in this area,
and your contribution to the discussions will be greatly appreciated.
As the one who will be responsible for the study, I look forward to having
the benefit of your advice as we proceed. It might be useful to sketch out here,
in a few sentences, the ground to be covered and the problems the group will be
discussing. We shall look at political and security question,, including Soviet
aims and strategy and the role of NATO. We shall wish to devote much of our atten-
tion to how, in an era of eroding alliances, the Balkan and Mediterranean countries
are related to the progress of detente in Europe and the settlement or non-
settle-ment of the Arab-Israeli conflict. We shall not overlook economic factors, partic-
ularly the increasing weight of the Eurooean Economic Community in all these coun-
tri.e. and the differences between Euro-)2an and V.iarican policies. We shall also
examine the forces at work within and ?)et'.reen those countries, including the trends
toward regional cooperation and growing :Lndependnnc, from great-power connections.
This is a large order and we will not discover all the answers. It will be a
significant net rain if the group doer, no more than reassess and clarify American
policies toward Yugoslavia, 7LimTan'i_a, Turkey and Cr '= ca.
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We plan to have an initial meeting on Tuesday, April 16th at the Harold
Pratt House, starting at 5:09 p.m. (with tea at 4:45) and continuing; through
dinner. At that meeting we shall first discuss the general scope of our
future work and then proceed to a consideration of recent political develop-
ments in Greece and Turkey. Professor harry J. Psomiades of Brooklyn College
(of the City University of York) will introduce our discussion on Greece.
We may have a second meeting this spring and several more next fall and
winter. There is no intention of seel:inrg any group consensus or agreed rec-
ommendations on U.S. policy. During the course of the project I shall be
writing articles or other puhli shad work on one or another aspect of the sub-
ject, and plan the eventual publication of a Council book.
I-hope very much you will find it possible to join this study group, and,
if so, that we may expect you on April l(th. /
Please let me know on both counts at your convenience.
Sincere -v yours,
John C. Campbell
Senior Research mellow
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Approved For Release 2005/08/22 : CIA-RDP80B01495RO01100070056-5