86011.00/7–745: Telegram
No. 553
The Charge in Yugoslavia
(Shantz) to the Acting Secretary of State
1
247. Internal political conditions in Yugo are unchanged. There is no freedom of press nor of political activity, and since the secret police appear to operate as they please freedom from fear is conspicuously lacking.
Dr. Šubašić has been greatly encouraged by the establishment of “regular” civil courts which is beginning. However, he told Brit Amb Stevenson this week that he is disturbed by internal conditions and that while the leaders are doing their best they have little control over subordinates and have “unleashed forces that are in danger of getting out of hand”.
He said he had not seen Tito lately but had asked Kardelj to tell Tito he is dissatisfied that no real attempt has been made to carry out the Tito Šubašić agreement on which the present regime is founded; and that he considers himself responsible both to the people and to the three great powers to make agreement effective.
Šubašić expressed hope that Big Three meeting will make a public reference to this and remind Yugo Govt that agreement must be [Page 829] carried out. He thinks this would strengthen hands of moderate groups.
Stevenson and I believe such action desirable.
- The gist of this message was included in telegram No. 11 of July 10 from Grew to Byrnes (file No. 740.00119 Potsdam/7–1045).↩