Editorial Note
George V. Allen, who on October 27, 1949, was nominated by President Truman to become Ambassador in Yugoslavia, called on the President on December 22 just prior to leaving by ship for Europe to take up his new post. No official record of the substance of the conversation has been found. On emerging from his meeting with the President, Ambassador-designate Allen was asked by newsmen if he had received any instructions from the President. According to the New York Times, December 23, 1946, page 6, Allen replied in part as follows:
“The President confirmed that the United States is unalterably opposed to aggression wherever it occurs or threatens to occur. Furthermore, the United States supports the principle of the sovereignty of independent nations. As regards Yugoslavia, we are just as opposed to aggression against that country as against any other, and just as favorable to the retention of Yugoslavia’s sovereignty…”
Allen also indicated to the newsmen that the spearhead of Soviet aggressive intentions appeared clearly aimed at Yugoslavia. In his book Tito’s Separate Road: America and Yugoslavia in World Politics (New York and Evanston: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1967), page 17, John C. Campbell recalls that Allen’s statement was “not carefully drafted in the State Department”.
In his press conference later in the day on December 22, President Truman confirmed the thrust of press accounts of Allen’s statement. “That is true—that is true. We are opposed to aggression against any country, no matter where situated.” (Public Papers of the Presidents [Page 986] of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1949 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1964), page 585.)
In his telegram 1324, December 27, 1949, from Belgrade, not printed, Chargé Reams reported the factual publication of the Allen and Truman statements had appeared in the Belgrade press of that day. Reams observed that the statements were most opportune and would have a beneficial effect in Yugoslavia (711.60n/12–2749).