—3—

with the Yugoslav authorities. We would expect the Yugoslavia
to react to the largely inaccurate and unbalanced account of the situation in Kosovo. They would also be likely to respond with alarm at the possible impact the resolution could have heightening inter—ethnic tensions there.

The Department does not believe it would be proper for I U.S. Government to take a position in this ethnic dispute, beyond supporting observance of human rights for all Yugoslavs. We are also concerned about the impact of increased ethnic strife in Yugoslavia on longstanding, well-defined U, security interests in the region. The United States has striven consistently to preserve the independence, unity and territorial integrity of the country. Informed observers of the Yugoslav scene have long recognized that ethnic strife within the multi—ethnic Yugoslav state is the greatest threat to the country?s stability. In the Department?s judgment, passage of this one—sided resolution could only add to the danger.

The Office of Management and Budget advises that from the standpoint of the Administration's program there is no objection to the submission of this report.

With best wishes,

sincerely,