860h.01/3–845: Telegram
Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, Political Adviser, Allied Force Headquarters, to the Secretary of State
[Received March 8—1:48 p.m.]
872. OSS has reported from Belgrade that regents took oath on March 5 when Subasic read King’s proclamations. Tito was not present.
There is reported to be widespread despair among Serbs over absence of genuine Serb in Regency and feeling that Subasic failed to restrain Partisans.
Alexander’s visit to Belgrade first encouraged populace to anticipate increased Allied military assistance and effective influence of western democracies on Tito and Partisans. However, publication of Alexander’s and Tito’s speeches have destroyed hopes of opposition for Allied intervention in their present predicament. Creation of the Regency and formation of a unified government has ended some uncertainty and suspense of past weeks but has not produced general rejoicing in Belgrade as reported by BBC5 broadcast.
- British Broadcasting Corporation.↩