Defense Files: Telegram
The Commanding General of the British and United States Forces in Trieste (Airey) to the Combined Chiefs of Staff
GOC 707 (Taf 1) 1. At 2000 hours last night a Jugoslav officer arrived at my hq with message purporting to come from Gen Lecic [Page 99] Comd Jugoslav Fourth Army.1 This message stated peremptorily that, the treaty having been ratified, Jugoslav Troops would cross the Morgan Line at midnight 15/16. This is contrary to all previously agreed planning2 but in order to avoid serious incidents which would be likely to arise I have ordered withdrawal of Anglo-American troops and police to French line before midnight. This action necessary in view of excited state of villages in ceded territory. All British troops are now safely withdrawn to French line and Americans are now completing withdrawal and evacuation of Pola garrison also nearly completed.
2. General Lecic’s note went on to state that at midnight the Jugoslav Detachment (presumably meaning the 2,000 troops previously under Allied Command) would “as agreed by British and American Governments” enter Trieste and establish themselves therein. I have despatched a Jugoslav Liaison Officer to Lecic demanding the withdrawal of this order on the basis that it contravenes article 1 of annex 7 of treaty and stating that I should firmly oppose such a move and warned him of the consequences. He has also undertaken to warn Jugoslav Detachment Commander but has no authority to issue orders.
3. Meanwhile I have ordered all existing road posts to resist entry of Jugoslav troops into Trieste but not to open fire except in self defense. An inner ring of posts on outskirt of city with same orders is also being established. I appreciate that Jugoslavs will attempt to establish themselves in the Slav villages on northern outskirts or possibly in eastern suburbs. If this is the case every effort will be made to keep them under control pending Governmental action to secure their withdrawal.
4. These events clearly represent carefully planned coup. In spite of all previously agreed arrangements with Jugoslavs this note was delivered as an ultimatum in Serbo-Croat after dark with only 4 hours notice by an interpreter Lieutenant. Contents were immediately queried with a truculent Lieutenant Colonel who refused to take back any answer. In this connection int sources today reported that local Communists were ordered to carry arms tonight.
5. Situation is well in hand but Trieste is in disturbed and excited state and Jugoslavs are without doubt working on well thought out plan. It is therefore of utmost importance that very urgent diplomatic action be taken to ensure that they do not enter Anglo-American Zone or if they should so do, that withdrawal is arranged without delay. Foregoing has been reported by Brit PolAd Trieste to FO and to Embassy Rome. US PolAd has taken similar action through his channels.