Office of the Historian

740.0011 European War 1939/9248: Telegram

The Minister in Yugoslavia (Lane) to the Secretary of State

Belgrade, March 23, 1941—7 p.m.
[Received 7:25 p.m.]

233. Yugoslav Government has until 12 midnight to give an answer as to whether it will sign the Tripartite Pact. I am given to understand by the highest quarters that decision has been made and is in the affirmative and that no further steps on my part can have any effect.

Pact which Yugoslavia will sign contains two reservations which will be made public:

(1)
Yugoslavia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity will be guaranteed by the Axis.
(2)
No German troops will be allowed in transit or transported over Yugoslav territory.

Foregoing repeated to Rome, Ankara, Athens.

Prince Paul advised me in strictest confidence and not for repetition to anybody that a secret clause exists whereby no war material is to be transported over Yugoslav territory.

Explanatory telegram will follow.

Lane