740.0011 European War 1939/9257: Telegram
The Minister in Yugoslavia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
Belgrade, March 23,
1941—8 p.m.
[Received 11:35 p.m.]
[Received 11:35 p.m.]
234. For the Acting Secretary. Following is résumé my talk with Prince Paul this evening.
- (1)
- He had just received telegram from Churchill urging Yugoslavia to attack Italians in Albania.
- (2)
- I conveyed to him substance of Department’s 5168 and emphasized possible aid we could give to Yugoslavia provided Yugoslavia remains free and independent. I said, however, that it will be for us and not for Cvetkovic or Hitler to decide what constitutes independence.
- (3)
- I referred to official opinion here that Tripartite Pact directed against United States and I referred to promises he and Prime Minister had made to me in past that Yugoslavia would not sign pact. He readily admitted having made such a promise. At that time he had no intention to sign. I said I feared that we would regard signature as unfriendly act.
- (4)
- I referred to Cvetkovic’s argument yesterday regarding guarantees which Cvetkovic himself considers worthless. Prince said, “I know they are worthless”. He said, however, that Croats, Slovenes, the other two regents, and the opposition party of General Zivkovic had all urged him to sign. He personally does not wish to sign because of his British and Greek affiliations but he must think of the country.
- (5)
- This statement gave me opportunity to refer to public opinion which is strongly opposed to signature. I said reports from Meily69 indicated Croation people do not favor signature. He said, “Let him speak to Maček”. I asked whether Maček could be reached and whether there was still a chance. He said no.
- (6)
- He is convinced that Turks do not wish to cooperate with Yugoslavia. Turkish Ambassador was to have seen Foreign Minister 2 days ago but at last minute canceled request for interview. I urged postponing decision even for 1 week until Turkish attitude could be clarified. He said this impossible as he had only until midnight to give Yugoslav answer. Yugoslavia would have to sign.
- (7)
- When he repeated argument of being only a trustee for 5 more months and therefore unable to take step leading country into war I said King will undoubtedly lean on him for advice later. He emphatically replied he would leave policy entirely to King who undoubtedly [Page 967] would be influenced by others. He said he would give advice to King only if latter asked it.
- (8)
- I believe he considers effect of decision as virtually ending his own influence for on my departure he presented me with his photograph usually done only on termination of mission.
- (9)
- Signature will be at Vienna.
Lane