860S.00/9–2547: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Yugoslavia
urgent niact
643. Please see Acting FonMin or Tito immediately to protest in strongest terms Yugo seizure US Lieut and two enlisted men in US–UK zone FTT along Yugo frontier near village of Sales on Sept. 22. Representations immediately made to Yugo military by US military for return of men are still without result.
[Page 108]You should point out this incident is but latest in series of inexcusable Yugo seizures during past two years of US–UK troops in Venezia Giulia, who in every instance have been detained for long period and generally treated as captured enemy personnel. On previous occasions, this Govt has urged Yugo Govt to take steps prevent repetition such actions, which might easily lead to bloodshed and unforeseeable consequences. For its part, this Govt has insisted its armed forces take every precaution avoid incidents, and this policy has been faithfully carried out.
Latest incident is especially grave in that members US patrol who met Yugo patrol dismounted from their horses, went forward to frontier line for friendly conversation with Yugo soldiers, and were promptly seized and carried off under arrest into Yugo territory. Moreover, under threat of bodily harm to US lieut, his commanding officer, one of US soldiers was sent back across boundary to bring up horses from which the three soldiers had dismounted.
You should say this Govt can no longer maintain its patient attitude towards such provocative incidents. These seizures contravene every principle of behavior between friendly civilized nations. This Govt must take such measures as it may deem appropriate in circumstances, and dependent upon measures which Yugo Govt may now take to remedy situation which has become intolerable.
In meantime, this Govt demands immediate release three men, and, in reserving its position re measures of redress for their detention as may be warranted, solemnly warns Yugo Govt that any repetition these incidents may lead to the gravest consequences.
Please telegraph text of note and date delivery.1
Sent Belgrade, rptd London and Trieste.
- In telegram 1099, September 26, from Belgrade, not printed, Ambassador Cannon reported having made an indignant protest, and having received a complete apology, assurances of immediate release of the men, with the place of release to be made known, and assurances against repetition (860S.00/9–2647).↩