Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVI, Eastern Europe; Cyprus; Greece; Turkey

90. Telegram From the Embassy in Yugoslavia to the Department of State ⁰

Belgrade, May 13, 1961, 7 p.m.

909. I recognize the force of the considerations mentioned in Deptel 766,¹ and agree that it would be unfortunate if in the wake of extension of such an invitation US-Yugoslav relations were to suffer drastic setback as result of failure to find solution to Press Law problem. Although I am still hopeful that at least an interim solution can be found, Thursday’s meeting certainly brought US no closer to agreement. On the other hand, it would be equally unfortunate if Tito were to be left with initial impression that change of administrations at home had brought no change whatsoever in what he probably regarded, rightly or wrongly, as inhospitable attitude in Washington with relation to his own person. This might, in fact, even affect unfavorably the Yugoslav position in the Press Law question.

I propose, therefore, unless Department voices objection, to indicate to Tito, on occasion of presentation credentials, that I hope at early date to have opportunity to discuss with him various questions of world affairs and of US-Yugo relations, but this perhaps not best occasion, and that unfortunately I have found myself much preoccupied since arrival by the problems imposed by the Press Law, which are urgent in view of early deadline imposed by entry into effect of law on June 9.

If Tito accepts this statement, I would hope to delay further discussions along this line until Press Law question has been clarified.

Should he himself, however, contrary to expectations, raise question of visit or exchange of visits, then I think any show of hesitation or lack of instruction on my part would be unfortunate and I should say at once that this was subject President Kennedy had much on his mind; that I had discussed it with him; that it was one of the matters I had hoped to discuss with him on a more suitable occasion; that I could tell him the President definitely hoped that such a visit by Tito could be arranged but it was a question of timing—the President’s present schedule would scarcely allow of such a visit being fitted in during the current year.

In absence of instructions to the contrary, I shall be guided by above when I see Tito on Tuesday, 16th.² Presentation credentials now set for 9:00 AM that day. Am leaving Belgrade by air for Brioni at 2:00 PM Monday afternoon.³

Kennan

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 768.11/5–1361. Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution.
1. Telegram 766, May 12, noted that the Yugoslav Press Law and its “hard-line” negotiating position might necessitate a drastic reduction in USIS operations with a resulting impact on plans to invite Tito to the United States. The Department of State requested Kennan’s analysis. (Ibid., 768.11/5–1061)
2. In telegram 774, May 14, the Department of State approved the procedures Kennan suggested and outlined alternative scenarios for a Tito visit. (Ibid., 768.11/5–1461)
3. Kennan transmitted the gist of Tito’s comments at his credentials ceremony in telegram 921 from Belgrade, May 16. (Ibid., 768.11/5–1661) In telegram 922, May 16, Kennan reported that he and Tito had agreed to a more substantive meeting in the near future and that he hoped that this would provide sufficient time to clear up the Press Law issue and extend an invitation for a Tito visit. (Ibid.)