86011.01/4–945: Telegram

The Ambassador in Yugoslavia ( Patterson ) to the Secretary of State

21. In contrast to other Government members with whom I exchanged visits last week, Vice Premier Grol was most pessimistic about future of Yugoslavia. His main points were as follows:

1.
He is only one in Government still arguing daily for democratic processes and his influence is nil. Subasic is a prisoner in Foreign Office and powerless.
2.
More Communists are appointed to office daily and in a month entire administration will be Communist. Terrorism and executions are increasing. Belgrade is a fortress occupied by Tito’s best troops while ill equipped boys are sent to the fronts. Opposition to regime is growing but has insufficient leadership and arms for revolt.
3.
Serbian Parliament which met April 7 was composed of Communists and unimportant figures selected by minor parties. Grol, head of Democratic Party, was not even notified of meeting. He thinks this Parliament will be model for those of other federal states and that through tightly controlled State Parliaments Communists will retain in all real power even if Avnoj is broadened to comply with Yalta declaration.
4.
Government is under almost complete Russian control. Only chance for democracy is pressure from Washington and London on Moscow to make spirit of Yalta declaration effective.
5.
Tito’s summons to Moscow was part of Russia’s plan to mobilize her satellites into a united front preliminary to San Francisco Conference.

[Patterson]