768.00/7–2451: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Allen) to the Secretary of State 1
104. During two-hour conference with Tito at Split yesterday, Senator McMahon2 emphasized US determination to stop Soviet aggression and to aid others willing defend themselves.
As regards difference between US and Yugoslav political systems, Senator said US had no desire to press its own political institutions on others. Nevertheless, there were certain basic universal human rights, including notably freedom of religion, which were common desire all humanity and of particular concern to American people. Speaking frankly he wished to let Tito know that 30 million Catholics in US could not remain indifferent to continued imprisonment of Stepinac.
Tito replied to first point by saying his current visit to Montenegro and Bosnia had given him clearest evidence of determination of Yugoslavs to defend their independence and liberty. As re Stepinac, Tito recalled recent Yugoslav offer to let him go abroad which Vatican refused. Tito requested Senator’s help in persuading Vatican to accept Yugoslavs offer. Senator thought acceptance would be admission of guilt. Tito said Pope cld make Stepinac cardinal which wld certainly not indicate admission of guilt. Senator then referred to recent release of Orthodox Bishop Nastic for residence in monastery inside Yugoslavia and asked whether Stepinac cld be granted similar privilege. Tito said he was ready to grant this.
Comment: Foregoing represents distinct progress in Stepinac case since previous Yugoslav Govt position has been that under no circumstances cld Stepinac be released for residence inside Yugoslavia.
[Page 1834]Major part of discussion concerned Stepinac and remaining conversation covered subjects already reported.3 Meeting was cordial throughout. Senator handled discussion with tact and astuteness, and meeting was useful for both sides. Others present were Deputy Foreign Minister Mates, Embassy Counselor Richard Allen whom I took for presentation to Tito, FSO Horace Smith and myself.
Tito has not regained his weight but otherwise showed complete recovery from recent illness.
- Repeated to Paris, London, Moscow, and Rome.↩
- Senator Brien McMahon was in Yugoslavia to obtain information concerning the Yugoslav Emergency Relief Assistance program.↩
- Presumably a reference to telegram 108 from Belgrade, July 24, which reported on a statement handed to the press by Senator McMahon concerning his talk with Tito. (033.1100–McM/7–2451)↩