860H.01/430: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador to the Yugoslav Government in Exile (Biddle), at London
Yugoslav Series No. 4. Your 9, December 23.51 Your informal efforts to assist in bringing about a better understanding among the elements constituting the Yugoslav Government have the Department’s [Page 839] full approval. You are authorized to continue these conversations and to express the friendly interest of the Department in the general Yugoslav question, some aspects of which are of direct concern to a considerable element of the American people. For your guidance in this connection the following points may be kept in mind as background.
(1) The disputes between the Serb and Croatian elements in the United States have had a deplorable effect on our national unity, extending even into groups of other national background. In the lack of authoritative guidance from the Government in London Yugoslav official representatives and refugee personalities have contributed and still continue to contribute to this disunity. The public spectacle of discord within Yugoslav official circles here has nullified the efforts of American Government agencies to restore harmony among the foreign language newspapers and the foreign-born groups.
(2) It is generally felt in this country that Mr. Fotitch through his apparent support of the Pan-Serb element is to a considerable degree responsible for this situation. Nevertheless his official actions have been correct and the Department would prefer that he remain here provided the Yugoslav Government can agree on some definite policy and require his adherence to it. One of the difficulties hitherto as been that the Embassy and other Yugoslav officials here have expected this Government to promote the idea of Yugoslav unity which their own actions have tended to destroy.
(3) The Ministers resident in New York are considered to be more representative of the Yugoslav element here than is the Embassy, but lack of teamwork here and lack of sympathy with some of their colleagues at London have made them something of a burden. If they are to remain in this country and their informal activities tolerated they must be brought into line with whatever unified policy their Government may adopt. Particularly the Information Center at New York should be responsible in reality as well as in theory to the Embassy.
Among these Ministers Mr. Yevtitch52 has shown the broadest views and the best understanding of the problems arising in the course of the war. It might be well to inquire whether he would not be useful for consultation at London from time to time.
(4) The … and … have been definitely objectionable in their influence on American citizens of Yugoslav origin. The Department would be relieved to have … transferred to some other field of activities. The … would probably conform to firm instructions from the Embassy.
(5) The Mihailovich-Partisan dispute has gained some prominence in the American press. This Government has full confidence in Mihailovich and statements about to be made will probably restore somewhat the prestige lost largely as a result of the disputes referred to above. One of the most effective charges against him has been that he too has lost respect for his own Government’s belief in Yugoslav unity.
[Page 840]The Department realizes of course that some of the problems suggested above are inherent in any government deprived of contact with its people. Because of America’s deep interest in the future of Yugoslavia it is hoped that the few leaders available will rise to the responsibilities of these times.