740.0011 E.W./9–744: Telegram

Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, United States Political Adviser on the Staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean, Theater (Wilson), to the Secretary of State

313. We are informed by OSS that one of their representatives in Mihailovitch99 territory reported that an emissary from German Minister for Balkans, [Ne]ubacher,1 has approached him with a suggestion that an arrangement be made with British and Americans whereby all German troops would withdraw in Balkans approximately up to Danube–Sava line without any interference on part of Allies in return for German promise to employ these troops against Russians. OSS representative replied that conversations on basis of trickery or Allied disunity were out of question but that he would be glad to confer with German representative on an early end of German resistance in Balkans and disposition of German troops and would transmit any serious proposals that Germans might wish to make. This emissary believes conversation will resume after a few days. He said German behaviour during days immediately ahead would be an important consideration.

Kirk
  1. Draza Mihailovich, Minister of War and Commander in Chief of the Yugoslav Armed Forces, as well as leader of the Chetnik resistance forces.
  2. Hermann Neubacher, German Minister in Rumania and Special Envoy of the Foreign Office in the Balkans.