Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Eastern Europe; Soviet Union; Eastern Mediterranean, Volume VIII

750G.00/1–1154: Telegram

No. 162
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Riddleberger) to the Department of State¹

top secret
niact

Belgrade, January 11, 1954—8 p.m.

851. Re Embtels 842 and 839.²

1. Following is text of Yugoslav Government reply handed US, UK 1800 hours January 11:

Begin verbatim text. The Government of The Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia has been constantly making great efforts to promote the finding of an agreed solution of the Trieste problem, which would, taking into account the interests of the Trieste population, be acceptable both to Yugoslavia and Italy. It has, among other things, on several occasions pointed out that the solution of at least one part of outstanding questions could be sought through negotiation between the three governments, which have been entrusted with the mandate of temporary administration of the FTT.

The Government of The Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia considers that the common efforts exerted during the last few months for the purpose of promoting the above aim have been useful and have brought the points of view closer, although they could not be carried into effect in the form envisaged in the course of this exchange of opinions. Furthermore, they have rendered possible the discerning of the [garble] which is now being proposed by the Governments of the United Kingdom and United States of America.

In view of all this, and fully realizing the importance of the improvement of Yugoslav-Italian relations and the strengthening of peace in this part of the world, the Government of The Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia accepts the proposal of the Governments of the United Kingdom and United States of America, contained in the statement of January 8, 1954, regarding the holding of meeting of the representatives of the three governments with the purpose “to examine the whole position and, after the full discussion of all possibilities to try to establish a realistic basis for the negotiation of an equitable and definitive solution of the Trieste question as a whole.” The Government of The Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia is prepared to accept either Washington or London as the place of the meeting considering, however, that London would be more suitable for practical reasons.

The Government of The Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia will appoint its representative as soon as the place and date of the meeting are finally agreed upon. End verbatim text.

2. Foreign Secretary stated that if London agreeable to all powers Yugoslav Government would designate its Ambassador in London.³ As it would be necessary to call him back to Belgrade for discussions and instructions, Yugoslav Government thought earliest practicable date for convocation of meeting would be last week of January. Yugoslav Government would appreciate confirmation of place at earliest possible date. It would likewise be grateful for names of US and UK representatives as soon as possible.

3. Velebit will speak English and be accompanied by several experts. He will bring interpreter for verification purposes.

4. It is assumed that each representation will take its own notes and Yugoslav Government does not expect verbatim record unless others desire. Foreign Secretary thought these details, including agreed minutes, could be easily arranged at conference.

5. Popovic inquired whether we would bring British or American experts from Trieste and we replied that it was possible. He indicated they would be welcome, and it may be that Yugoslav Government desires to send some of its experts from Zone B.

6. Yugoslav Government understands necessity for secrecy, and we agreed on same answer to press re today interview as that given final paragraph Embtel 839.

7. Re Deptel 807, Yugoslav Government understands beyond any doubt that purpose of proposed meeting is not to establish basis for four- or five-power negotiations but to establish realistic basis for settlement.

Riddleberger

1. Repeated for information to London, Paris, Rome, and Trieste.
2. Telegram 839 from Belgrade, Jan. 8, is supra. In telegram 842 from Belgrade, Jan. 10, Riddleberger said the Yugoslav Government had been told the purpose of the proposed meetings was not to establish a basis for either four- or five-power negotiations, but to establish a realistic basis for a settlement. Riddleberger also stated that they had proposed Washington or London as the place for the meeting, but that this had evoked no discussion and Popović had not raised the possibility of Belgrade. (750G.00/1–1054) This was in reply to telegram 807 to Belgrade, in which the Department had specifically asked whether there was any possibility Popović had misunderstood the Jan. 8 approach. (750G.00/1–854)
3. Vlado Velebit.