795.00/6–2850: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Allen) to the Secretary of State
niact
[Received June 28—1:35 p. m.]
830. During conversation with Tito1 today late [morning?] he undertook extensive explanation Yugoslav point of view re Korean issue in SC. He said his chief aims were to show clearly Yugoslav condemnation [Page 216] of aggression and Yugoslav support for UN, but at same time to convince world opinion of Yugoslav independence from any bloc. In latter regard he said that he must keep constantly in mind that if Cominform suddenly attacked Yugoslavia, Moscow would make every effort to picture Yugoslavia as instrument of western aggression aimed against Cominform and would seek to justify attack as necessary defensive measure. He said he must make it abundantly clear to “progressive opinion” that such allegations had no foundation whatsoever. He admitted, after some hesitation, that he also had to keep in mind potential Cominform fifth column inside Yugoslavia as well as in other countries.
I said while I welcomed his explanation I felt clear-cut situations arose from time to time when a nation as an individual must be willing to stand up and be counted definitely on side of forces opposing aggression, without any equivocation or proposal for delay. I believed such occasion had arisen in Korean case.
Tito said he was aware that position taken by Yugoslav representative in SC would not alter decision of that body and remarked, not for attribution, that Bebler had introduced resolution without instruction. He gave no hint that Bebler would be disavowed or be sent new instructions but his implication was that Yugoslav government would abide by any decisions taken by SC in accord with Charter.
Tito said he did not expect Korean situation or troop movements in Balkans to interrupt his plans for leaving Belgrade at end of week and said he expected to see me in Bled on July fourth.
- Marshal Josip Broz-Tito, President of the Council of Ministers of Yugoslavia and Minister of National Defense.↩