811.2360H/8–2046: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 20—9:34 p.m.]
813. Foreign Office note, received 5:30 p.m., 20th again protests unauthorized flights over Yugoslav territory and mentions 44 instances since August 10.25
It states on August 19 American aircraft over Bled was invited to land by continuous signals between 0850 and 0902 hours. Aircraft refused compliance. Yugoslav fighters forced it to land when aircraft got afire and crashed. Two members of crew parachuted out. There are signs that unfortunate victims fell in this incident.
Yugoslavs deeply regret unhappy accident but point out responsibility lies with independent authorities of US Government, since Yugoslav Government has repeatedly drawn attention to unauthorized flights and consequences which might arise. Responsibility also lies with crew who failed follow clear landing invitation. Yugoslav Government immediately started investigation to ascertain all details regrettable accident. Yugoslav Government again insists US Government issue strict orders no flight over Yugoslav territory without clearance, so that such unfortunate accidents might be avoided.
Sent Dept, repeated Paris, Vienna, Caserta.
- Verbatim text of Yugoslav note No. 9880, August 20, 1946, was transmitted to the Department in telegram 844, August 27, from Belgrade, not printed.↩