740.0011 EW/5–945: Telegram
Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, Political Adviser, Allied Force Headquarters, to the Secretary of State
[Received May 9—6:50 p.m.]
2253. General McCreery of British Eighth Army has reported he beat Yugoslavs by 3 hours to Klagenfurt. Partisans were extremely annoyed and beat up Austrian police. It was also stated by McCreery that Partisans are established in many villages inside Austrian Frontier along river near Villach. He added British firmly set up in Klagenfurt and Villach with plenty men and tanks each place. Tarvisio according McCreery contained very large German food dump which Yugoslavs anxious loot.
British troops hope establish contact with Russians near Graz sometime today. About 60,000 Germans have surrendered to British forces in Graz area.