668.81/5–1151: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Yost) to the Secretary of State 1
3866. In conversation with Yugo Min2 yesterday he reiterated most of points made to Amb reported Embtel 3121 March 223 particularly emphasizing realization his govt that attack on Greece, Ger or Austria wld necessarily provoke Yugo participation in hostilities. He appeared satisfied for present with somewhat vague assurances of Greeks they wld fulfill UN obligations in case of attack on Yugo it being his conviction they could not remain aloof. He seemed indisposed to push forward detailed Yugo-Greek mil conversations at this moment in order not lend color to Cominform propaganda [Page 1790] in satellites but declared conversations must be undertaken rapidly if attack shld seem imminent.
He expressed agreement with view that while Kremlin may see fit to launch attack at any time and most urgent and thorough preparations are therefore essential, greatest danger will come next year when Western mil strength and unity shld have made impressive progress but before it has become preponderant. Jovanovic attached great importance to evidence growing disaffection in satellites which he expects will further increase and render them constantly less reliable mil instruments for Soviets.