711.60H/10–2848: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Cannon) to the Secretary of State
1395. I had an hour with Foreign Minister Kardelj1 yesterday afternoon and managed to elicit from him following information and observations:
UN GA: He said many important problems demanding his attention [Page 1114] here made him impatient of procedures at Paris2 and he finally decided he could not stay away from Belgrade longer. “Besides we have very strong and capable delegation.” If necessary may return Paris next week but hopes not. Thinks Greek question and some others may be “postponed” to permit of earlier closing GA session. Is giving little time to foreign matters and in fact received me at Presidium.
Trade negotiations with USSR: showed less optimism than I expected. Shrugged and said “we’ll do our best and hope something comes of it”.
Internal transport problems: Insisted train stoppages (Embtel 1382 October 253) for movement crops. Long discussion heavier traffic with less rolling stock than prewar, deterioration road beds and material, shortages skilled labor et cetera. Drastic measures necessary to get crops in distribution and storage before bad weather comes. I could not get him to admit coal shortage which we suspect. On contrary he insisted railroads use local coal and imports continuing though with occasional delays. “We cannot expect another light winter and must have fuel reserves ready.” Thinks winter coal problem can be met.
Economic sanctions: Declined to discuss political aspects but pretends to believe that all out blockade will not be attempted by Cominform Governments, “if they do we will work our way through on our own.” This last in ringing tones.
East-West trade: Wants improvement trade with US whether direct or through ERP countries. My homily on ERP provoked neither dispute nor embarrassment. He said we must look into these matters. Items he mentioned in passing were motor transport replacement parts, tires and fuel.
Kardelj is by nature mistrustful secretive and devious and hitherto has evaded anything but most formalistic contact with diplomats or foreigners and has been openly hostile to foreign press. On this occasion he gave impression of cordiality in marked contrast to my earlier encounters with him. This doubtless partly due to deliberate effort to accustom himself to requirements his new position. Even so, interview was somewhat still [chill?] despite what appeared to be friendly intentions. As an ice breaker it has significance which we can better evaluate after subsequent conversations.
Sent Department 1395, Paris 182, London 179, Rome 181. Department pass Moscow 246.