860h.00/11–3045: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 1—4:10 a.m.]
705. At 4 p.m. yesterday Constituent Assembly unanimously passed declaration proclaiming the Federative National Republic of Yugoslavia and abolishing monarchy. On [In?] evening Marshal Tito held reception celebrating second anniversary of founding of Partisan govt at Jajce. Tito told me that decision to establish republic had been made only yesterday morning with object of making November 29 national holiday. He said that within day or two Assembly will appoint Praesidium to which he or “someone else” will be asked to form a temporary govt; this will rule until after passage of new constitution which is expected in 4 or 5 weeks; elections for permanent Parliament will follow and appointment of Praesidium to hold office for 4 years; and President of Praesidium will be nominal head of state. Persons who have read draft constitution tell us that it closely resembles Soviet constitution.
Proclamation of republic yesterday was not unexpected—see Embtel 697, November 27.92 No great popular enthusiasm was evidenced although there were fireworks, gun salutes and dancing in streets resembling half dozen previous holidays this year.
Sessions of Constituent Assembly markedly resemble those of the Provisional Parliament of last August except for absence of Grol with his opposition Democrats. Absence Subasic and all members Croatian Peasant Party also noteworthy. There has so far been complete unanimity in proceedings.
- Not printed.↩