740.0011 European War 1939/8361: Telegram
The Minister in Yugoslavia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 14—6:30 a.m.]
96. Department’s 21.25 In talks today with officials I learned that our position as stated by Department to Bulgarian Minister and by MacMurray26 and me in Ankara and here had made strong impression.
One very important official said that our action might yet dissuade Bulgaria provided that Bulgaria wished to be dissuaded. As to Yugoslavia and Turkey he said that our attitude is discouraging: Officially we say that we do not intend to enter war, yet unofficially we advise small countries to resist. I replied that if United States were threatened with invasion we would certainly resist and that we are not suggesting to Yugoslavia or any other country to take offensive action. Again I emphasized reasons for helping Britain, China and Greece. He said Bulgarian situation is still critical but worst may still be averted. Further comments in my 97.27