860h.00/10–1345: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11 p.m.]
562. In view of latest developments in Yugo which are of greatest importance I consider it immediately necessary to make following review of position here with further urgent recommendations and suggestions.
We have already recommended to Department that it should now be made clear to Tito and to world that we do not consider that Yalta declarations have been complied with in Yugo (Embtel 505 of September 27). We have reported that Grol, leader of opposition in Serbia, resigned from Government in protest against Government’s undemocratic and terroristic methods under which elections would be meaningless (Embtel 380 of August 19) and has since consistently reported to us a worsening situation, until now he is afraid to leave his house (Embtel 540 of October 9). Sutej also, though having no quarrel with federation of [or?] republican system could not support the present dictatorship which he told us was opposed by 90% of Croats (Embtel 388 of August 22) and has awaited only resignation of Subasic to resign, as he has now done (Embtel 540 of October 9). Lazar Markovic prominent leader of Radical Party outside Tito’s front has been imprisoned (Embtel 442 of September 6)63 and still awaits trial in solitary confinement. Archbishop Stepinac, with other leaders of Catholic church in Croatia, has published an oral letter strongly condemning present government on 14 charges ranging from sentencing priests to death without fair trial for political views to spreading materialistic and atheistic spirit throughout country. We are airmailing translation of this document to Department.63 We have reported that Metropolitan Josip, acting head of Serbian Church, [Page 1268] has long made known his opposition to the Regime largely because of its brutal and undemocratic methods.
Now at last Subasic himself party to agreement which brought this Provisional Government into existence has resigned in protest to terrible situation in country and reign of terror that has been brought upon the people (Embtel 547 of October 10).
With the resignation of Subasic last elements in government which were not Partisan or inextricably bound up with the Partisans have joined opposition, an opposition which, however, is forced by Regime’s repressive tactics and use of force and violence to abstain from the elections. Therefore we consider that it is now more than ever incumbent upon my Government to take action as recommended in our telegram No. 505 of September 27, i.e. to tell Tito and world that we are dissatisfied with his Government and that we insist upon the fulfillment of Yalta declarations. We have a right to do this especially since Tito–Subasic agreement on basis of which we recognized Tito is now dead. Moreover, we feel we must do this in interests of American prestige and world peace. Finally since elections have been set for November 11 there is an ever narrowing time limit. Action should be taken not the day before elections which would expose us to accusations of having waited until all arrangements for elections had been completed and might defeat our purpose, time for action seems to us now—in next few days.
I have an engagement to see Tito on Thursday October 18 at 5 o’clock and I request that Department authorize me to tell him plainly at that meeting the views of my Government. I would like to tell him that internal situation is more terrible than ever and shows no sign of moderation; that so long as present conditions exist he can expect no American economic help; and that if elections are held without effective participation of all important democratic groups my Govt could not recognize resulting govt. I propose that statement I make to him should specifically recommend postponement of elections, and afterwards be made public from here as the official American point of view. This would be consistent with instructions given me in Washington by the President and by State Department officials in Washington and London to insist strongly to Marshal Tito that he fulfill Crimea declarations.
I urge that Dept decide promptly on course of action to be taken and advise me accordingly.