763.72/12562
The Serbian Legation to the Department of State
Aide Memoire
On the request of the National Council (Slovenes, Croatians and Serbians) in Zagreb the Serbian Government begs to bring to the knowledge of the United States Government the unfriendly proceedings of the Italians in prohibiting the importation of food stuffs, which will eventually force starvation upon the population.
The Italians have confiscated all merchandise in Rieka, and, quite recently, they stopped two steamers at Kotor, laden with food, which were on their way from Senj to Split, and took them to Italy.
The purpose of this action on part of the Italians is to persuade the people in Dalmatia and on the Croatian coast to declare themselves in favor of Italy.
The Serbian Government anticipates that the United States Government will favorably meet the request to do its utmost to curb the friction existing between Italy and the National Council, and to use its great influence toward an amicable settlement of the question.