840.50 UNRRA/12–1045: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Patterson)
449. 1. For consideration of UNRRA program for Yugoslavia Dept requests whatever info you can supply on following subjects.
2. What is present size of Yugoslavian Army? At what rate are demobilization and recruitment actually taking place? What are official demobilization and recruitment plans? If possible give monthly rates and predicted situation 6 months and year ahead. To what extent do following factors affect demobilization situation: temporary absence civilian employment opportunity; ability of Army to feed, clothe and house soldiers more efficiently than at home; government’s concern with controlling opposition.
[Page 1053]3. To what extent is Army being used for productive purposes, such as reconstruction roads, ports, houses, agricultural production, distribution of relief, etc. How much is this situation determined by government’s ability to organize for efficient use?
4. Dept understands British are also interested in above questions, but US approach to Yugo Gov’t should be independent.
5. Dept also desires whatever substantiation you have of charges political use UNRRA supplies by Yugo Gov’t. Ambassador Kirk reported recently your Mission has information on this question which we have not yet received.