768.11/5–2551: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Allen) to the Secretary of State 1
1759. During half-hour private chat with Tito yesterday at reception for Brit Parliament delegation, I was astonished by evident seriousness of 3 months illness and operation. He has lost over 30 pounds since I saw him last, his color was bad, and he was listless as compared with his former vigor. He said he needed at least 2 months more of recuperation and wld spend full summer at Bled and Brioni. He leaves Belgrade in few days and I doubt will return for several months.2
He said he had been kept closely informed of conversations in London and Wash on Yugo aid questions and expressed warm appreciation for US assistance and for lead we had taken with other powers. He commented, in light vein, on our concern over participation in Yugo aid program by powers which we ourselves are having to assist, but agreed readily with my remarks concerning desirability of cooperation among all Western powers in Yugo program. I said I thought Italy’s desire to be included was favorable sign. He did not dissent.
While Tito has not been immed touch with details of Govt during past 3 months and has left decisions largely in hands of Politburo, it is clear that he remains final arbiter on all major questions and his control of Party and Govt has in no way lessened.