FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1946, VOLUME VI



Legation's despatch No. 1797, August 5, 1946,3 and endorse suggestion
to establish coordinating office for aircraft and personnel clearance
matters. As correctly pointed out in memo under reference, Yugo-
slavia presents in form, though not in substance, problems different
than in other Soviet satellites but application of strict reciprocity
principle fully justified and desirable. Concretely I urge following
immediate actions:
  1. U.S. aircraft landing at Zemun airport are immediately sur-
rounded by heavily armed guards, passengers and crew are escorted
by armed guards to and from terminal building, crew not allowed
to approach aircraft until again cleared for departure. Whole pro-
cedure gives impression of handling criminals rather than allies. This
conduct of Yugoslavs is plainly discriminatory against U.S. and
British since procedure not followed in regard to Soviet, Polish, Czech
and other satellite aircraft.
  I recommend that Yugoslav aircraft authorized to land at U.S.
controlled airdromes in our occupation zones in Germany or Austria
should be treated precisely in same manner as our aircraft are treated
by Yugoslav authorities at Zemun.
  2. Yugoslav customs officials make it a practice to search thoroughly
and with deliberate impudence luggage of Foreign Service personnel
provided with diplomatic and special passports. Only exception is
Ambassador himself. Inspector Cochran's and other F. S. personnel's
luggage was painstakingly searched on their arrival at Zemun Au-
gust 7 with first EATS plane cleared by Yugoslavs since July 21.
Our protests against this conduct contrary to international customs
of no avail. Our treatment in this respect cannot be explained or
excused by primitive mentality of customs officials employed by pres-
ent regime since Soviet and satellite nationals are treated with con-
sideration though not necessarily with courtesy.
  I recommend that Yugoslav officials, bearers of diplomatic or special
(service) passports, arriving in U.S. receive at U.S. ports of entry
precisely same treatment and their personal luggage be thoroughly
examined.
  To render both actions effective, it would be desirable to make it
clear in each instance, especially in case of protest or complaint, that
treatment is simply same as our aircraft and personnel receive at
hands of Yugoslav authorities.
                                                           SHANTZ

 'Not printed.



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