740.0011 European War 1939/9246: Telegram
The Minister in Yugoslavia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 23—2:10 a.m.]
228. For the Acting Secretary. Your 51.63 Cvetkovic told me today he had confirmation of points 1 and 2 but that as reported in my 221,64 information in point 3 is incorrect (Turkish explanation is contained in my 22564). He was not as enthusiastic as I hoped regarding point 4 but as it was clear that he wished to justify attitude of his Government he presumably did not wish to hear arguments counter to those advanced in favor of signing Tripartite Pact.
He did not actually say that pact would be signed but from his discussion I am nearly certain this is Government’s intention but not its desire. He said it is a question of peace or war. Which did I desire him to make? I repeated arguments in my 21665 and asked him how would Yugoslavia be better off from practical standpoint by signing pact.
His reply was that it was essential for Yugoslavia to have guarantees from Germany. He agreed with me that German guarantees are worthless yet he said people did not want war and Government has obligation to them. I said if Parliament existed here he would find out quickly enough as I had found out from local expressions of praise of President’s speech of March 1565a that people strongly opposed to compromise with dictators and therefore to signature of [Page 965] pact which Foreign Minister admitted to me on September 27 (see my 40466) is directed against United States.
As it is impossible to trust German guarantees would it not be better, especially as he seemed to believe in ultimate democratic victory, to maintain Yugoslav moral integrity by refusing German demands. I said Yugoslavia is independent and has a right to make its own decision without pressure from Germany.
When I realized he was determined to sign regardless of my arguments which he said were “not very strong” I endeavored to persuade him to temporize. He claimed he was doing this but could not hold out much longer. He would not tell me why. He promised, however, to try and drag out negotiations.
He lamely explained that Yugoslavia’s adherence should not be regarded as move against us or Britain. Pact is purely political not military. I said I am sure action would have most unfavorable effect in United States where Yugoslav courage has been a tradition.