811.001 Truman, H. S./10–747: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Yugoslavia
670. Republication in Belgrade of scurrilous attack on President obviously equally reprehensible with original appearance in similarly controlled Soviet press to which Dept approved Moscow’s protest and your letter Velebit (urtel 2065, Oct 7) serves to register our consciousness Yugos motives in reprinting.
Full publicity given exchange communications with Molotov this matter. Since in cases protests this kind lack of complete public comprehension of situation in controlled press countries occasions some confusion here where press freedom is so basic a concept our policy, Dept does not feel further publicity would serve useful purpose. Consequently, Dept believes undesirable release your letter to press although recognize possibility Yugos may do so. We question advisability of pursuing matter further (urtel 2066, Oct 71) but will consider upon receipt Velebit reply.
- Not printed.↩