740.00119 Control (Italy)/10–3145: Telegram
Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, Political Adviser to the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater, to the Secretary of State
[Received October 31—11:15 a.m.]
3998. Resident Minister has been informed by British Embassy Belgrade that Yugoslav Government has replied to notes presented in United States and British Embassies concerning conscription of population of Yugoslav occupied Venezia Giulia.12 In their reply, Yugos assert they did not order any conscription of population of this area, but Yugo units which helped people of Venezia Giulia to struggle against the enemy “invited” the people of the area to join them. Yugos further assert that the posters and notices mentioned in the British note “relate to this kind of invitation”.
Yugo Government states that moreover on learning some of their [Page 1211] local commanders did not understand change status of Venezia Giulia since its liberation, had issued on May 15 through Gen. Staff of Yugo Army an order instructing that no conscription should be made and if volunteers present themselves to Yugo Army they might be received and enlisted.
Yugo Government concluded with statement that Ministry of Foreign Affairs consider this an explanation of the situation.
We are transmitting by air mail despatch No. 1357 today’s date13 photostatic copies received from XIII Corps of proclamation issued by Yugo Military Commander of Gorizia ordering general mobilization of classes of 1896 to 1928 stating that all those who do not respond to decree will be considered as deserters.