Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

860H.00/10–548: Telegram

The Chargé in Yugoslavia (Reams) to the Acting Secretary of State

secret

Belgrade, October 5, 1948—1 p. m.

1332. For Acting Secretary. Eric Johnston¹ asked me to inform you he will when he returns Washington report personally on his Tito interview.² Three main points concerned. Tito emphasized breach with Russia can be closed only if Soviets admit error. Yugoslavs extremely anxious buy from west, particularly US, but cannot agree that political conditions be attached. Tito gave unqualified assurance nothing sold by US would be reexported. He insisted Yugoslavs were receiving less favorable consideration from US than Soviets or satellites.

New point arose during discussion war possibilities. Tito stated there would not be war since Russians would not start one. When asked what Yugoslav position would be in event war between Soviets and west did break out he replied that he could not say since Yugoslav position would depend on who started war and “circumstances at that time.” Johnston pressed matter and has definite impression that Tito would maintain neutrality if it were possible for him to do so.

Johnston has assurances of satisfactory film contract.

Reams

1. President of the Motion Picture Association of America. Johnston was on a tour of Europe negotiating agreements for the sale of American-made films.
2. Johnston had his interview with Marshal Tito on October 5. No record has been found of a conversation between Under Secretary Lovett and Johnston.