762.63/489: Telegram
The Minister in Yugoslavia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8 p.m.]
24. I have within the last week noted an increasing apprehension in Government circles as a result of Austro-German developments. From the views expressed to me by Government officials as to the danger of Yugoslavia having a common frontier with Germany I gather that the policy of Stoyadinovitch40 in being swayed by German blandishments is not only unpopular with his colleagues but regarded as a failure in the light of recent developments. Slovenka the organ of Minister of the Interior Koroshets, published at Ljubljana, recently contained editorial bitterly condemning German aggression in Austria and pointing out danger therein to Yugoslavia. French Minister informs me that change of attitude of Yugoslav Government towards him since Berchtesgaden conversation is very marked.
Although I have not as yet seen the Premier since his return from Ankara I understand that attitude of Balkan Entente towards Austrian situation was to have been discussed there. Rumanian Minister and Yugoslav officials have expressed opinion to me that Balkan Entente can, through solidarity, accomplish much at the present time in making Germany understand that her aggressive attitude is resented in Southeastern Europe. I infer from conversation with Rumanian Minister that both Rumania and Yugoslavia are endeavoring to persuade Bulgaria to adopt an attitude in accordance with that of Balkan Entente. Recent meeting of Bulgarian and Yugoslav Premiers may therefore be of significance.
Copies to Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Bucharest, Sofia, Athens, and Istanbul.
- Milan Stoyadinovitch, Yugoslav Premier and Foreign Minister.↩