Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume V

860h.01/2–1345: Telegram

Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, Political Adviser, Allied Force Headquarters, to the Secretary of State

Caserta, February 13, 1945—4 p.m.
[Received 6:28 p.m.]

524. Reference my 507, February 12, 1 p.m. We have learned from Thayer that when Maclean informed Tito of the tripartite recommendation, Tito accepted it without reservation and said that the sooner Subasic arrived the better. However, Tito was puzzled as to how the agreement was going to be implemented without the King participating.

Tito’s followers seemed highly satisfied with the recommendation inasmuch as they consider most members of the last Parliament to be compromised.⁷⁹

Following appear to be terms of the tripartite recommendation.

1. The agreement as it stands is to be put into effect immediately by Tito and Subasic.

2. Thereafter (a) Avnoj will be enlarged by including the members of the last Parliament who are uncompromised and it will be called the “temporary Parliament”. (b) Legislative acts of Avnoj will be subject to Constituent Assembly’s ratification.

Above terms are being communicated to Tito by Maclean on behalf of British Government.

British Foreign Office now assumes that the United States, together with Russia and Great Britain, will recognize whatever government may be formed by Tito and Subasic.

Inasmuch as the most essential provisions of the recommendation require the appointment of the regents by the King and their oath taken to him, Thayer states it is not entirely clear as to how the agreement can become effective without the King.

Thayer was informed by the Acting Chief of the Soviet Mission that except for the published statement, he had not received any word of the Crimea Conference. Kiselev, the regular Chief, is expected from Moscow at any moment. Bakic⁸⁰ also inquired whether or not Thayer had received any messages from the Conference to which he replied that he had not.

Kirk

79. In telegram 532, February 15, 1945, from Caserta, the U. S. Political Adviser informed the Department that Colonel Thayer reported from Belgrade that foreign observers felt that it would be difficult to implement the recommendations of the Yalta Conference. The last Yugoslav Parliament consisted of 67 members of the Machek coalition and 306 members of the Stojadinovich coalition. “Stojandovich [sic] is now in exile as a Fascist and Matchek is considered in Belgrade as an enemy of the people.” (860h.01/2–1545)
80. Mitar Bakich, Marshal Tito’s personal adjutant.