Novosti News Service, Belgrade, Nis, Sunday, 24 December 1944
Report of the Hungarian Military Attaché, Belgrade, Tuesday, 26 December 1944
“The Yugoslav General Staff is reportedly continuing its emphasis on acquiring motor transport equipment for the entire regular army. Deliveries of vehicles from France and America continue at an accelerated pace, and production of domestically-produced vehicles has been given top priority. The legation’s commercial attaché has been approached with regard to purchase by the Yugoslav Army of additional Botond gun tractors, and it is probable that even more vehicles will be procured in Czechoslovakia.”
“The press reports of discussions between the Yugoslavs and the Skoda works have been confirmed and it appears that the General Staff desires to acquire both 21cm heavy field guns and 24cm heavy field howitzers – ostensibly for employment as coast defence weapons; such artillery would also be capable of employment against land targets. It is not clear whether the Government has the financial resources to pursue both the acquisition of motor vehicles and a significant quantity of heavy artillery but the desire for the latter clearly exists.”
“The Yugoslav air force continues to receive numbers of the Orao single-seat fighter though much of the current production is being exported to Greece to earn foreign exchange. Production of the Zmaj light bomber is being reduced to permit production additional fighter aircraft.”