740.0011 European War 1939/8273: Telegram

The Minister in Yugoslavia (Lane) to the Secretary of State

89. Department’s 21, February 9, 10 p.m. I explained our attitude to Foreign Minister22 today.

In addition I expressed my personal opinion that countries which do not resist aggression are not worthy of independence and need not count on our support when political and geographical readjustments are made after the war. If Department could see its way clear to making similar statement to Fotić23 as a corollary to President’s statement in message of January 6th that we are committed to full support of all people who resist aggression I believe even at this late hour in present critical situation in Balkans the result would be salutary.

Lane
  1. Aleksandar Cincar-Markovic.
  2. Constantin Fotitch, Yugoslav Minister in the United States.