Chronicles of Diplomacy
An historical overview of the United States' diplomatic representation in Yugoslavia, from its formation to dissolution. Explore the list of ambassadors and key historical context.
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Historical Context
Formation of Yugoslavia
The nation of Yugoslavia was established on December 1, 1918, following the geopolitical realignments in Europe after World War I. Initially named the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, it was renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. This state encompassed territories that now form Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and significant portions of Slovenia and Croatia. The United States formally recognized this new nation and appointed its first envoy on July 17, 1919.
Diplomatic Evolution
Prior to the establishment of a dedicated envoy to Yugoslavia, the U.S. had a minister plenipotentiary accredited to Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia, residing in Bucharest. By the late 1930s, diplomatic relations between Belgrade and Washington were elevated from ministerial to ambassadorial status. During World War II, the Yugoslav government-in-exile operated from London and later Cairo, with U.S. ambassadors representing American interests in those locations. The embassy returned to Belgrade in 1945.
Shifting Identities and Recognition
Between 1943 and 1992, the nation underwent several name changes, including the Democratic Federative Yugoslavia, the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia, and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Following the breakup of the SFRY in 1992, Serbia and Montenegro formed the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The U.S. initially withheld recognition, leading to the departure of the ambassador and the closure of the embassy in 1999. Recognition was re-established in 2001, and a new ambassador was commissioned. In 2003, the state union was renamed Serbia and Montenegro, with the U.S. ambassador continuing in that role.
Ambassadors to Yugoslavia
Diplomatic Representatives
The following table details the individuals who served as United States envoys and ambassadors to Yugoslavia, including their appointment dates, the presentation of credentials, and the termination of their mission. This list spans the various political entities that constituted Yugoslavia throughout its history.
Montgomery served as the final U.S. ambassador to a state designated as Yugoslavia. Subsequent ambassadors in Belgrade were commissioned to Serbia and Montenegro until 2006, and thereafter to Serbia.
Notes
Clarifications on Appointments
- Dodge was commissioned to the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.
- Prince was commissioned to the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes and continued to serve as ambassador after the nation was renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929.
- Wilson was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on January 15, 1934.
- Wilson was commissioned to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
- The king had fled Belgrade on April 14, 1941, in anticipation of a German invasion.
- Biddle served near the Yugoslav government-in-exile in England.
- Biddle was also commissioned to the governments-in-exile of Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Poland; resident in London.
- The government-in-exile of Yugoslavia transferred to Cairo on September 28, 1943.
- MacVeagh served near the Yugoslav government-in-exile in Cairo.
- MacVeagh was also commissioned to the government-in-exile of Greece; resident in Cairo.
- The government-in-exile of Yugoslavia transferred back to England on March 11, 1944. On July 1, 1944, Rudolf E. Schoenfeld was designated Chargé d'Affaires ad interim near the Government of Yugoslavia established in England.
- Patterson served near the government-in-exile in London. The U.S. Embassy was transferred back to Belgrade on March 31, 1945.
- Rankin was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on January 29, 1968.
- Leonhart was commissioned to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
- Montgomery was originally commissioned to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and continued to serve after its name was changed to Serbia and Montenegro on February 4, 2003.
Related Topics
Historical Entities
- Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
- Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Related U.S. Diplomatic Roles
- United States Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina
- United States Ambassador to Croatia
- United States Ambassador to Montenegro
- United States Ambassador to North Macedonia
- United States Ambassador to Serbia
- United States Ambassador to Slovenia
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References
References
- Prince was commissioned to the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes and continued to serve as ambassador after the nation was renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929.
- Wilson was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on January 15, 1934.
- Biddle was also commissioned to the governments-in-exile of Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Poland; resident in London.
- Patterson served near the government-in-exile in London. The U.S. Embassy was transferred back to Belgrade March 31, 1945.
- Allen was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on February 2, 1950.
- Rankin was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on January 29, 1968.
- Montgomery was originally commissioned to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and continued to serve after its name was changed to Serbia and Montenegro on February 4, 2003.
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