MARSHAL BROZ’S REPLY

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24571, 21 May 1945, Page 5

MARSHAL BROZ’S REPLY

“Same Rights As Other Allies” REFERENCE TO N,Z. TROOPS (Rec. 11.15 p.m.) LONDON. May 20. Marshal Broz, replying to Field-Mar-shal Alexander in an interview with the new Jugoslavia Telegraph Agency, said: “I cannot but express resentment and surprise at the impossible comparison that the presence of Jugoslav troops in Austria and the Slovene littoral zone is similar to Hitler’s, Mussolini’s; and Japanese methods of conquest. Such an accusation can only be thrown in the lace of an .enemy, but not against an ally who has-been tortured and bled white, and scrfar recognised by all freedom-loving peoples as an example of self-sacrifice and heroism. The Jugoslav Army chased the occupation force? right beyond the Isonzo river, and no charge of conquest can be attributed to its presence in the territory. “I again declare that Jugoslavia and her aritoy are prepared to co-operate with the Allied forces, but at the same time I declare that Jugoslavia cannot allow herself to be humiliated or tricked out of her rights. Jugoslavia is prepared for collaboration under a basis which shall not be insulting and humiliating to her as an Allied country.” The Belgrade radio has broadcast the text of a Note from Marshal Broz in reply to the British and American requests concerning Trieste. The Jugoslav Note, after reiterating the statement that the Jugoslav Army had the same rights as other Allied armies to remain in territory they had liberated in the struggle against the common enemy, says: .‘‘The need of the Allies for ports and lines of communication has been completely safeguarded in the spirit of the talks between Marshal Broz and Field-Marshal Alexander. The honour of our army and country demands the presence of the Jugoslav Army in the Istria, Trieste, and Slovene coastline. The decisions of the peace conference, which will be final as regards apportioning the regions concerned, are in no way prejudiced. With regard to this federation, Jugoslavia is opposed to all unilateral declarations.” . "Marshal Broz’s reply to the British Note was received in London on Saturday but the contents have not been divulged, and further consultations between London and Washington can be expected before the next step is taken, says the Press Association’s diplomatic correspondent. , ~ The Belgrade radio last night referred bitterly to the Trieste “Why is the report spread that New Zealand troops entered Triteste before the Jugoslavs?” asked the radio. “Wobld it add any glory to the British Army to say it occupied a few streets in Trieste when it has been victorious throughout the world? We ask to be treated like equals. We have repeatedlv emphasised our intention to submit our claims to the peace conference but we are not prepared to let Bonomi (Prime Minister of, Italy) administer Jugoslav territory." Count Sforza, who negotiated the Eapallo Treaty, whereby _neste was ceded to Italy «ter the tart w«. has sent a message to the British, United StStes and Russian Governments. "Jugoslav control of Trieste would be a new Alsace-Lorraine, which would poison the world,” he said. CONSERVATIVES INCREASE MAJORITY

(Rec. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. May 18. The Newport by-election resulted:— Lieutenant-Commander R. M. Bell (Conservative) •• lo.«-* R. Edwards (Independent Lahour Party) .. •• 13,722 Fifty-three per cent, of the electorate voted. The vacancy was due to the death of Sir R. G. Clarry (Conservative), who had a majority of 1545 at the' 1935 General Election.