840.811/8–348: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Cannon) to the Secretary of State
1037. Following is summary memorandum of conversation between Reams and Yugoslav contact close to Yugoslav Government delegation Danubian Conference:
Yugoslav delegation considers three initial mistakes have greatly imperiled chance of successful conclusion new convention. They are: Vyshinsky’s attitude on language question, hasty introduction by French reservation their rights and British general attitude opening days. Yugoslavs regret Bebler’s remark that it was anti-democratic for US–UK to be present at conference.
They believe within next few days French and probably British will walk out of conference on some issue. They feel that Peake’s coming encounter with Vyshinsky today will further complicate matters. If west walks out new convention will be concluded any way since two-thirds of delegates would remain. This convention would be based on Soviet draft despite fact Yugoslavs also have draft ready for presentation. Soviet draft will in any case be working document. He stated that although it would make little difference to the east if west walked out Yugoslavs would naturally prefer to have convention agreed in by all parties. Contract urged moderate course and stated Yugoslavs highly approved Ambassador Cannon’s generally reserved position.
Contact raised point as to why nonriparian powers included in present convention had not been invited to attend conference. He insisted this was because of an American initiative. Throughout convention Reams had maintained position he was not connected with [Page 650] American delegation and did not know too much about their thinking. On this point Reams stated he felt personally certain the American Government would have welcomed participation of any countries interested in Danubian conference.