UNITED STATES FLOUR FOR YUGOSLAVIA TO COUNTERACT PRESSURE FROM THE KREMLIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27551, 20 November 1950, Page 5

UNITED STATES FLOUR FOR YUGOSLAVIA TO COUNTERACT PRESSURE FROM THE KREMLIN

NZPA—Copyright

Rec.6p.rn. NEW YORK, Nov. 18. The United States Government has announced that 11,500,000 dollars worth of flour will be rushed to Yugoslavia, which is suffering from drought. More will be sent as soon as possible. This aid is part of the overall United States move to help Yugoslavia meet its emergency food needs so it can stand up under pressure from Moscow.

President Trumm, in a telegram to Congressional leaders, said he would submit the emergency programme of aid for Yugoslavia at the session of the Congress beginning on November 27. This programme would include the shipment of flour announced earlier today, action by the Export-Import Bank to allow Yugoslavia the use of the remainder of the previously Congress granted load for urgently needed foodstuffs, and the supply of foodstuffs to Yugoslavia’s fighting forces under the Mutual Defence Act. President Truman said that even if Congress acted promptly, it would be impossible to prevent widespread suffering and possible disorders in some areas of Yugoslavia. “The prospects are that, if remedial measures are not begun immediately, Marshal Tito's ability to control subversive elements will be seriously, if not fatally, undermined and the ability of Yugoslavia s military forces to withstand attack by

the Soviet Union or its satellites, or both, would be dangerously weakened.’’ President Truman continued: “ There is, therefore, great concern from the military point of view over this situation, and we are trying to find ways and means to extend the necessary assistance to Marshal Tito without delay. As you know, it is our policy towards Yugoslavia to give Marshal Tito such support as we judge necessary for the protection of our strategic and political interests in that area. This policy is based upon conclusions that: 1. Marshal Tito’s defection from Kremlin control represents the first setback to Soviet Imperialism, and, as such, is an important political symbol. 2. Marshal Tito controls the largest fighting force in Europe, except for that of the Soviet Union, and these forces constitute an important element in the defence of Western Europe against Soviet aggression.”