668.81/6–2650: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Yugoslavia
507. During conversations with Amb Popovic today, we took occasion to express concern that Yugo, by publicly raising question of Slav-speaking Macedonians at this juncture, was raising serious obstacle to establishment normal relations with Greece, which Yugo Govt had itself declared to be desirable as soon as Plastiras had assumed power. We stated we had no desire comment on merits of question but our concern in this connection was to assist Yugo in maintaining its independence. We considered important factor in attaining this objective is normalization of Yugo’s relations with her western neighbors, which might be of great importance in time of emergency. We wld consider it most unfortunate if settlement of difficult and delicate minority problem shld be posed as condition for normalization Yugo-Grk relations.
Amb Popovic referred to recent Cominform activity on subject Macedonian minority, asserted Bulgs for instance wld take more intransigent attitude than Yugos and felt Grks wld be acting in their own interest to make some provision for Slav-speaking minority. We recognized force these considerations but pointed out mutually satisfactory settlement this issue is long-term problem. We expressed hope Yugo might feel free to proceed with establishment dipl relations with Greece, after which this and other outstanding issues could of course be negotiated.
In view fact Yugo-Grk rapprochement may well break down unless this issue can be put aside for present, you are requested take early opportunity to reiterate these considerations to ranking Yugo officials. Rpt to Athens as 1283.