Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XX, Eastern Europe

289. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter¹

Washington, May 6, 1980

SUBJECT

• Meeting with Yugoslav Ambassador Loncar May 6, 1980 at 3:00 P.M.

You are scheduled to meet briefly with Yugoslav Ambassador Loncar to express personally your condolences, and those of the American people, on Tito’s death.² Loncar will not bring the condolence book with him.³ (C)

Such a meeting will be seen as an important political gesture by the Yugoslavs and will underscore our support for the new Yugoslav leadership. Brezhnev signed the condolence book at the Yugoslav Embassy in Moscow this morning and will be going to the funeral. We want to make an equally strong impression. (C)

I recommend that you:

—express your admiration for Tito as a great statesman and leader who contributed significantly to strengthening world peace. You might mention your extended correspondence with Tito, which he highly valued.

—reiterate our firm support for Yugoslavia’s independence, unity and territorial integrity and our respect for Yugoslavia’s nonaligned position.

—express confidence in the new Yugoslav leadership’s ability to handle the transition.

—regret that you could not attend the funeral as you had hoped and note that you have asked the Vice President to represent you. (C)

The meeting should only take about five minutes. There will be a photo opportunity. (U)

You met Loncar when he presented his credentials in November. (U)

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 87, Yugoslavia: 3–5/80. Drafted by Larrabee. Brzezinski hand-carried the memorandum to the President on May 6 at 2:14 p.m.
2. Tito’s condition deteriorated rapidly due to complications from gangrene, and he slipped into a coma. He died on May 4, three days before his 88th birthday.
3. In a May 5 memorandum to Carter, Brzezinski recommended that the President visit the Yugoslav Embassy and sign the condolence book. Brzezinski wrote that “such a gesture would underscore our support for Yugoslavia at a critical moment and emphasize your respect and esteem for President Tito.” Carter disapproved the recommendation telling his appointments secretary, Phil Wise, “no way!” (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Europe, USSR, and East/West, Larrabee Subject File, Box 68, Yugoslavia: 1–11/80)