740.00116 E.W./10–545: Telegram
The Secretary of State to Mr. Alexander G. Kirk, Political Adviser, Allied Force Headquarters
888. Yugoslav Govt has to date requested the surrender to it of some 250 specific Yugoslav nationals desired for trial as war criminals or axis collaborators, traitors, etc. said to be in US or Anglo-American custody. Copies of lists of these individuals as presented to Brit and US authorities are being transmitted to you by air mail.58
In consultation with Brit Govt, we have agreed to turn over to Yugoslavs without delay such of these persons as may be in US or Anglo-American custody against whom Yugos have made out prima facie case of collaboration with the enemy or war criminality and who are not wanted as defendants or witnesses in connection with trial major war criminals and we and Brit are informing Yugos that we consider acceptable prima facie case has been made against the 40 persons named on list 1, the 20 named on list 2 except nos. 2, 6, 8 and 20, and against Dr. Ante Pavelic named in separate request no. 3. As regards list 4, except for certain individuals also named on lists 1 and 2, we desire additional showing of collaboration or war criminality and as for, list 5 no specific charges have been presented. (Caserta’s desp 1283, Aug 28; Vienna’s tel 228, Sept 19; Berlin’s tel 693 Oct 5).59
According to Dept’s and Brit information following on list 1: Milan Acimovic (no. 2), Milosav Vasiljevic (no. 3), Stefan Ivanic (no. 4), Dusan Pantic (no. 5), Djura Dokic (no. 8), Borivoje Jonic (no. 15), Miroslav Spalajkevic (no. 19), Jovan Popovic (no. 23), Miodrag Djordjevic (no. 26), Ilija Paranos (no. 27), Bozidar Becarevic (no. 28), and Kosta Musicki (no. 34) have been identified as in US or Anglo-American custody. After ascertaining in each case whether individual is wanted in connection trial of major war criminals you should advise US or Anglo-American military authorities to which you are attached to turn over to Yugos without delay any of these 12 who may be in custody of such authorities.
[Page 1266]In addition, any of remainder on lists 1 or 2 (except nos. 2, 6, 8 and 20), and Ante Pavelic may be turned over in this manner when found within US or Anglo-American jurisdiction. Dept has conflicting information concerning whereabouts Milan Nedic (no. 1 on list 1), Leon Rupnik (no. 1 on list 2) and Dimitrije Ljotic (no. 33 on list 1) and will appreciate positive confirmation that any of them is in US or Anglo-American custody.
Sent to Caserta, Berlin, Vienna, and London for Hodgson and repeated to Belgrade.