860h.00/10–945: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 10—11:12 a.m.]
540. Grol told us last night of resignation of Subasic, Sutej, and Vice President of National Bank Juncikovic, [all Croats?]. Their decision, he said, was reached after long talks on Friday and Saturday between Subasic and Sutej. In strongly worded letter of resignation, copy of which Grol has promised to give us, Subasic said terms of his agreement with Tito have not been carried out and therefore his responsibility to people does not permit him to continue in government. Sutej’s resignation, according to Grol, merely said he agreed with Subasic. Sutej has gone to Zagreb to stay.
[Page 1263]Marshal Tito confirmed Subasic’s resignation in interview with Mundt–Bolton Congressional group56 this morning, but added he had not accepted resignation pending early conference with Subasic. Tito said up to now he had had no serious differences with Subasic and readily made concessions to him whenever minor problems cropped up. Resignation was unexpected and unwelcome, Tito said, adding “I attach great value to our agreement”. He did not mention Sutej.
Tito also told the Congressmen program for demobilizing 200,000 has just been completed. This would bring Army’s strength down to about 400,000. No further call-ups are expected, he added, mentioning that 70,000 had been demobilized soon after German defeat. He said demobilization for Yugoslavia is social as well as military problem since many soldiers have no homes or livelihood to return to. He asked Congressmen to view events here according to long range aims, which he asserted are in accord with the Yalta Agreement and not by frequent unfortunate mistakes which are not basic. Government is opposed to force, he continued, but conditions after 4 years of war have made necessary some severity at beginning. He said capital punishment will soon be abolished.
Finally, Tito admitted his disappointment in opposition whose motives in abstaining from elections he does not find valid; predicted forthcoming elections will produce new strong opposition within Front itself; said Constituent Assembly thus elected will be short-lived and followed by new election for regular parliament under new constitution.
Congressmen on leaving airport today said Tito’s presentation of situation was to them unconvincing and it had hedged on important questions of large army and plight of opposition.
- Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, led by Rep. Frances Bolton (of Ohio) and Rep Karl Mundt (of South Dakota), who visited Belgrade in the course of an extensive European tour.↩