811.2360H/8–1146: Telegram
The Chargé in Yugoslavia (Shantz) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 11—3:57 p.m.]
780. Assistant Foreign Minister Velebit handed me note dated 10th energetically protesting continued violation Yugoslav territory by repeated flights Allied aircraft principally American over northwest Yugoslavia and zone B.4 Note states between July 16 and August 8 unauthorized flights over Yugoslavia territory made by 172 aircraft included 87 bombers, 40 fighters and 45 transports.
On August 9 American C–47 circling Ljubljana airport ignored requests to land and was forced down by Yugoslav fighters. Aircraft carried eight army personnel and two civilians. Investigation ordered. Yugoslav Govt requests US Govt take immediate steps to prevent further violations.5
Sent Dept 780; repeated Caserta 77, Vienna 80, Berlin 44.
- Text of the Yugoslav note No. 9470, August 10, 1946, was transmitted to the Department in despatch 475, August 13, 1946, not printed.↩
- For text of the report of August 19, 1946, by the pilot of the downed C–47 aircraft, Capt. William Crombie, see Department of State Bulletin, September 1, 1946, p. 416.↩