Office of the Historian

110.11 DU/8–2554: Telegram

No. 244
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Yugoslavia1
top secret
Washington, August 25, 1954—3:56 p.m.

181. Limit distribution. Eyes only Riddleberger from Secretary. Deptel 173 Belgrade, London’s 911, Belgrade’s 145.2

Noting Riddleberger’s belief he can effectively employ prospect visit by me to Belgrade to influence Yugoslav Government favorably in last stages Trieste negotiations and recognizing dangers mentioned by Thompson I would welcome your further views whether you believe risks can perhaps be sufficiently minimized by simultaneous approach Belgrade and Rome along following lines:

Ambassadors Riddleberger and Luce would concurrently and informally advise Yugoslav and Italian Foreign Ministers:

1)
If next meeting NAC is held Paris in December as now contemplated it is my present intention attend;
2)
If Yugoslav (Italian) Foreign Minister approves and if my plans and other circumstances permit I should like take advantage my presence Europe visit small number European capitals including Belgrade (Rome); and
3)
In order avoid embarrassment to me and host Government event I am later compelled return directly from Paris I must ask this approach be held in strict confidence.

If asked both Ambassadors would disclaim knowledge of other capitals likely to be visited. It is my thought that if there is a leak either Belgrade or Rome it would probably be desirable for us immediately confirm publicly an informal approach had been made in both capitals. The phrase “if my plans and other circumstances permit” should make it possible for me back out in event Italo-Yugoslav tensions should make visit either or both capitals inadvisable.

I recognize however proposed changes in procedure not likely affect possibility that taking this action at this time may make Yugoslavs more rather than less difficult to deal with as Thompson fears. Consequently if any of you still has doubts regarding wisdom proceeding at this time I would be inclined drop matter and only raise question visit Belgrade after settlement reached.

Dulles
  1. Drafted by Bonbright and Hooker and cleared with Jones and Crawford in draft and with Dulles. Also sent to Rome eyes only for Luce, and to London eyes only for Thompson.↩
  2. Documents 241, supra, and 242, respectively.↩