No.242

Dated6th Nov. 1940. – Received January 6, 1941.

R 1456145667

Macedonian Question

Refers to Belgrade telegram No.665 of 3rd September, (R 7325/613/7).

Encloses with observations, copy memorandum by Mr. Thomas, British Vice-Consul at Skoplje, concerning Yugoslav Macedonia. Memorandum deals with the subject under the headings Macedonian, Political Parties, The “Macedonian Question”, Present Activities of the Macedonian Autonomists and The Macedonians and Communism.

(Copy Sofia.)

This is a most interesting despatch which is well worth printing (Southern (Balkans) D), omitting however the passage at bottom of page 3 and top of page 4 indicated with square brackets, and copies should go in print to Mr. Broad (M.E.W.) and P.I.D.

Four points in particular strike one in reading this memorandum: -

• 1. The appalling complexity of the subject, e.g. races do not coincide with religion. It is a warning to us not to meddle in Macedonian affairs unless we merely wish to stir up trouble.

• 2. The assimilability of the Vlachs (they were easily assimilated in Salonika) and the contented position of the Turks.

• 3. The revival of Roumanian propaganda amongst the Vlachs. There have been indications of slight renewal of this at the time of the outbreak of the Italo-Greek war.

• 4. The possibilities offered to the Italians using the Albanian group to disrupt Yugoslavia.

I think we might express appreciation to Mr. Thomas in the terms of the attached draft. Should we have to leave Yugoslavia Mr. Thomas’ name should be kept in mind since he might prove invaluable for work in the Middle East connected with South Serbia.

I think we might also ask Mr. Rendel the question suggested by Mr. Thomas at the bottom of page 3 and also hint that we would like something similar on Bulgarian Macedonia. This would round the subject off.

(Signed) Cheetham

9th January 1941.

To the layman the only possible solution of the Macedonian problem would seem to lie in giving the Macedonians some sort of autonomy within Yugoslavia. Possibly after the war the Yugoslavs may be willing to consider this. But such a measure would, no doubt, incur the risk of whetting the appetite of the Macedonians for complete independence.