MINTOFF PLEADS FOR US SUPPORT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-15-3-24-5
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: October 21, 2011
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: July 29, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2013/02/20: LOC-HAK-15-3-24-5
W 1W
MEMORANDUM
IONAL SECURITY COUNCIL `UV
VERY URGENT ACTION
SEC ENSITIVE
July 29, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. KISSINGER
FROM: Helmut Sonnenfeldt
SUBJECT: Mintoff Pleads for US Support
25X1
Mintoff made an impassioned plead for the US to put
pressure on the British through NATO; or to consider what the US
.could give NATO if the British withdraw; or to send a high-level
representative to discuss the situation with him. He repeatedly stressed
the seriousness of Malta's financial situation and the need for a solution
prior to the reconvening of the Maltese Parliament in August.
ould appear to present us with a very importan-2`25X6
opportunity to work out a successful solution to our Maltese problems.
In my memorandum proposing a game plan for Malta (Tab B, Log # 30925X),
I suggested that we will have to move quickly and' decisively if we are to
realize our objectives of retaining a US and NATO presence in Malta.
Mintoff appears to have given us our opening.
Two immediate steps would appear to be in order:
Feldman should be immediately contacted (before he unknowingly
pays an unofficial visit on Mintoff) and told that you will want to touch base
with him before he visits Mintoff.
Mintoff should be informedu that he can 2`25X6
DOS, NSS
Reviews
Completed.
expect to hear from Feldman in the very near future, and that Feldman
will be carrying high-level credentials.
Once these steps have been taken, it would be possible to begin working out
the details of coordinated UK and US negotiations with Mintoff along the lines
suggested in the memorandum at Tab B. (The fact that Ambassador Fritz-
laff is aware would appear to ease if not ;25X6
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2013/02/20: LOC-HAK-15-3-24-5
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2013/02/20: LOC-HAK-15-3-24-5
49 l
SECRET /SENSITIVE -2-
eliminate the difficulties we earlier had with him about having an emissary
visit Mintoff.
RECOMMENDATION
L inform Mintoff that he will be hearing from a
high-level US representative in the very near future.
Approve
Disapprove
Z. That you have Ambassador Feldman contacted and told to stand by for
instructions prior to visiting Mintoff.
Approve
Disapprove
3. That you approve the supporting actions recommended in the memo-
randum at Tab B.
Approve
Disapprove
SECRET /SENSITIVE
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2013/02/20: LOC-HAK-15-3-24-5