860h.01/2–1645: Telegram
The Ambassador to the Yugoslav Government in Ernie ( Patterson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 16—11:50 p.m.]
Yugos 34. Following statement signed by King Peter, dated February 13, was given to his Government before their departure for Belgrade:81
“The Royal Government goes to Belgrade with my full accord and is carrying the following instructions from me: Part I. Regency.
I have given the following names: Dr. M. Grol, Dr. J. Sutej and Dr. D. Sernec.
[Page 1200]I hope that the National Committee of Liberation will respect my choice based on careful thought and aimed at representing useful elements to the state and to the smooth functioning of their duties.82
The Regency, when accepted by the National Committee, will be appointed by my royal decree of which the formula will be countersigned by my Prime Minister and left in my care till I get a wire from the Prime Minister saying that the Regency has been accepted.
The Council of Regents is to be sworn in at Belgrade by the high clergy in the presence of the Royal Government who will also invite to be present the President of the Committee of National Liberation, Marshal J. B. Tito.
The Royal Government and then the United Government must be held responsible for the Regency Council to be able to be in constant touch with me and keep me informed of all important developments in the country.
Part II. The United Government.
The forming of the United Government does not start until the Regency has been duly appointed and sworn in. The United Government is to comprise many shades of opinion representing as many political parties and views as is possible. They should be sworn in office by the Council of Regency. This would give this provisional government full legality in the eyes of the people of Yugoslavia and the world.
Part III.
The suggestions made by the great Allies at the Crimea Conference are to be implemented.”
Second plane load carrying minor, Yugoslav officials also Konsta Tinovic,83 Cankar84 and General Ristic left for Belgrade today.
Additional politicians leave next week.
- The King and his Government agreed to the Yalta recommendations on February 12.↩
- In telegram 549, February 16, 1945, from Caserta, the U.S. Political Adviser reported: “According to Thayer, Tito has informed him that he would not accept Sutej as Regent under any circumstances. Thayer commented that Grol was considered reactionary in some circles in Belgrade and he is of the opinion that it may take some time to form the Regency.” (860h.01/2–1645)↩
- Presumably Sava Kosanovich is intended.↩
- Izidor Cankar, Minister of Education in the Subasich Cabinet.↩