860H.01/12–944: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser on the Staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater (Kirk), to the Secretary of State
[Received December 11—3:04 a.m.]
1668. Reference my No. 1650 of December 8, midnight.97 Churchill’s message which Maclean handed to Tito was strongly worded and almost threatening. In this communication British Prime Minister protested against unsatisfactory and rude attitude of Tito and the Partisans toward the British and numerous incidents between Partisans and British forces were called to attention of Tito.
Churchill pointed out to Tito the desirability of democratic elections in implementation of Tito–Subasic agreement and expressed hope that all democratic elements would be free to offer their candidates and support them in election campaigns. British Prime Minister also expressed his wish to see question of monarchy put squarely up to Yugoslav people for a vote in accordance with normal democratic procedure.
Maclean has not concealed fact that Churchill’s enthusiasm for Tito has diminished and that he is somewhat disappointed by Tito’s recent actions.
Thayer has reported from Belgrade that he received impression from conversation with Maclean that Churchill’s representations to [Page 1430] Tito for real democracy in Yugoslavia is mainly for sake of the record and does not reflect any great conviction that it will materially alter present trend in Yugo. It is to be assumed that Tito will reply to Churchill that the latter’s appeal for democracy will be complied with.
Repeated London for Patterson as 172, and Moscow as 162.
- Not printed.↩