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

760.5/5–2254: Telegram

No. 340
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Yugoslavia¹

top secret

Washington, May 24, 1954—8 p.m.

1253. At courtesy call on Secretary this morning, Secretary having been absent when he presented credentials, Yugoslav Ambassador raised subject démarche made Belgrade May 22 (Belgrade’s 1246²). Mates expressed concern Yugo Government over this démarche but indicated his remarks made without instructions. Along lines Popovic reaction he thought representations designed slow Balkan Alliance suggested US change in policy from previous support defense arrangements Southeast European area and he clearly implied Yugoslav conviction action taken response Italian requests. Formality which he attributed to démarche seemed particularly disturb Yugoslav sensibilities.

In response Secretary assured Mates that Yugoslavs misunderstood nature our thinking and motives. No change has occurred in importance we attach to appropriate defense arrangements that area. On contrary, key to improvement atmosphere essential defense planning is solution Trieste problem and our views designed bring to attention Yugoslavs importance that in interests such planning caution be exercized any steps that direction pending conclusion Trieste settlement. Re formality, Secretary noted Yugoslavs misinterpreted customary procedure whereby we continually inform friendly governments our views pending matters and leave memoranda to avoid misunderstanding. It was also emphasized démarche not result previous coordination or discussion with Italians in any way. Ambassador appeared mollified result these statements and volunteered communicate with his Government.

Course conversation Mates also stated Yugoslavs, regardless their reaction this démarche, desire conclude Trieste settlement without delay and he believed were accepting latest proposal made in London with changes “one or two words”.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Barbour; cleared in EUR, WE, and NEA/GTI; and signed for the Secretary by Bonbright. Repeated to Paris, London, Rome, USPolAd Trieste, Ankara, and Athens.
2. Telegram 1246 from Belgrade, May 22, reported that Riddleberger made the démarche authorized by telegram 3260 to Athens, supra. According to Riddleberger, Popović was furious that the United States, in urging caution due to sensibilities within NATO, was becoming a pawn to Italian policy on Trieste. (760.5/5–2254)