92. Telegram From the Embassy in Yugoslavia to the Department of State0
5. Deptel 901.1 In view Tito’s illness and prospective long absence from Belgrade (he is now in Brioni) and of fact Foreign Minister Koca Popovic will be here very little before his departure for Moscow July 7, I took advantage of casual meeting with Popovic Friday night to tell him that President Kennedy would welcome visit from Tito in coming period but that President’s program was such it would permit only a working visit in 61, at time to be mutually arranged, whereas State visit could take place only some time in 62. I said I realized that in view President’s illness he might not wish to make any decision on this at present moment, but that I was at his disposal at any time to receive any reply he might wish to make or to discuss timing and nature of such a visit. Popovic said that while he would not try to anticipate President’s reaction he knew he would be moved and gratified by knowledge that President Kennedy wished him to come.
I said that for the present, and pending the President’s reply, we thought it best to say nothing about this publicly, and he indicated strong assent.
[Page 191]I took occasion to emphasize to Popovic that this invitation was extended gladly and in all cordiality, that it was a matter to which careful thought had been given at home, and that if President Tito decided to come, I could assure him every effort would be made to make visit a pleasant and profitable one. I had the impression that Popovic was himself greatly pleased.