860H.01/12–2744: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser on the Staff of the Supreme Allied Commander. Mediterranean Theater (Kirk), to the Secretary of State
[Received December 28—2:05 p.m.]
1932. New oath of office of Yugoslav officials as carried in Belgrade press includes oath to “guard and protect achievements of National Liberation struggle”. This may be viewed as another step toward identifying government with National Liberation movement and should help dispel doubts as to character of National Liberation Front as the party in a one party system. Weight and direction of its influence on any coming elections or plebiscites should be clear since it represents Partisan viewpoint.
British sources report from Bari that British troops operating in Montenegro against Germans are being used to good effect and that relations with local Partisan military attaches have improved greatly.
[Page 1446]In this connection Broad informed us that Maclean has reported to Foreign Office that new Yugoslav Government would of course be an authoritarian state.
Sent Department; repeated London for Patterson 191.