760.5/2–1354: Telegram
No. 336
The Ambassador in Greece (Cannon) to the
Department of State1
2038. Noforn. Reference Department’s telegram December 16, sent Athens 1937.2
Foreign Minister said reports had reached him that official American circles concerned possibility future rapprochement between Yugoslavia and Soviet Union. He expressed opinion Yugoslavs’ [Page 640] eagerness conclude firm military alliance with Greece proof of Tito’s good faith. He requested Department’s current evaluation Tito’s sincerity toward West and mentioned Malenkov’s replacement of Stalin and recent removal of Djilas as new factors.
Foreign Minister went on to say that Yugoslavia desired mutual assistance agreement to replace present contingent planning and that he feared that further procrastination by Greece and Turkey on this issue would constitute a serious rebuff which might cause Yugoslavia to cool off towards whole scheme and increase the risk that Tito will cast his lot with the Soviet bloc. He stressed fact Yugoslavia exerting constant pressure for more binding military arrangement and pointed out that Marshal Papagos considered Yugoslav cooperation essential security of Greece. On this basis he requested Department reappraise situation and inform him soonest of our current views.
It is our opinion that while the Foreign Office clearly understands reasons for our position, it believes events have overtaken our December policy and hopes that some formula can be devised which will permit Ankara pact nations to formalize military commitment.