740.00119 Council/9–1146: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received 8:30 p.m.]
4557. Delsec 925. For Clayton from the Secretary. I hold views expressed by Patterson and Forrestal (Secdel 81771). I wanted very much to find a way to accomplish the same objective. Reluctantly, I must admit I cannot find any way of accomplishing it consistent with our obligations. We agreed to have our contribution to a general fund spent in accordance with recommendations of Committee of an International Organization. That Committee made certain [Page 951] recommendations as to Yugoslavia. Subsequently, that country was guilty of indefensible conduct resulting in loss of life of our flyers. We made certain demands. We have announced that those demands were complied with. That makes it impossible for us to ask an international organization to reverse its decision because of the loss of our airmen. The only excuse would be for our representative on the Committee to request a review of needs of Yugoslavia.
In view of loss of our planes, world opinion would be that our action was due to that matter as nothing else has occurred to justify demand for review. They had the same army at the time the Committee approved the allotment they now have. Because of these reasons, I cannot approve stopping shipments or asking for review. If anyone can think of some other reason which would make it possible for us to stop shipments without having our good faith questioned, I will be happy to consider it.72