601.5168/10–2750: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Allen) to the Secretary of State
413. Recently arrived French Ambassador Baudet1 had his initial conversation with Tito this morning.
Smodlak, chief of protocol,2 translated. Since Smodlak is non-Communist functionary from former Yugoslav diplomatic service, has no party connections, and has seldom if ever served as translator on occasion of this importance, French Counselor Epinat interprets his selection as indicating that Tito did not wish his remarks to Baudet to be reported to inner party circles. I am inclined to doubt this interpretation but pass it along as of some interest.
Baudet informs me that Tito spoke at length re Yugoslav needs for military assistance and asked for French help, on long-term credit basis. Tito said he would request only defensive weapons from abroad, mentioning specifically his immediate and urgent need for antiaircraft guns. Tito said receipt of military equipment through third [Page 1486] country such as France rather than direct from US would avoid Soviet allegations that Yugoslavia had become spearhead for US aggression against USSR.
Baudet said that while he believed his government might be sympathetic, he must emphasize that French would take no action in this field except in closest cooperation with her North Atlantic Pact allies, specifically US. Baudet referred to remarkable industrial recovery of France which had resulted not only from American grants but also from mutual cooperation of all members of ECA and from exertions of French people. He emphasized benefits of mutual collaboration in economic field, with implication that similar benefits could result in other fields.
Baudet said that in view of Tito’s reference to military needs, perhaps it might be desirable for French service attachés to establish somewhat closer liaison with Yugoslav general staff. Tito showed hesitation over reply but finally said he had no doubt question of type of supplies needed could be easily settled if principle of assistance could be agreed upon.
Baudet asked whether Tito wished him to repeat conversation to his American and British colleagues. Tito avoided direct reply but it seems evident that Tito desired to sound out US attitude in this indirect manner.3
Baudet has already shown himself to be highly valuable addition to diplomatic corps here. He has fresh approach which his predecessor had entirely lost.
Sent Department 413 repeated information Paris 53 London 33.
- French Ambassador Philippe Baudet presented his credentials in Belgrade on October 25, 1950.↩
- The reference here is to Dr. Sloven Smodlaka, Chief of Protocol in the Yugoslav Foreign Ministry.↩
- In his telegram 416, October 28, from Belgrade, not printed, Ambassador Allen reported that Yugoslav Acting Foreign Minister Leo Mates had sent urgently for Ambassador Baudet that morning to explain that Marshal Tito wished it clearly understood that his remarks were “exploratory feelers” to be kept in the strictest secrecy and that no staff or lower echelon conversations were contemplated. Baudet was further informed that no reply to the feeler was expected. If a reply were desired, Baudet would be informed. The French Embassy, in analyzing the conversation, believed that Tito’s concern may have resulted from a difference of opinion within the Yugoslav Politburo as to the wisdom of requesting Western military aid (601.5168/10–2850).↩