944 FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1946, VOLUME VI

bassy. Tito said three members of my staff are implicated. The
eroup had two tasks: (1) to collect information and (2) to prepare
terroristic acts. For second purpose they got weapons from some
members of American Embassy. He promised to give me full evi-
dence in support of these charges.

In reply to these amazing accusations I said I would make imme-
diate investigation; I had complete confidence in integrity of my
present staff. I added if any truth in either charge, and I didn’t
doubt Marshal’s word but questioned his sources, would take 1mme-
diate action to have guilty personnel removed from Yugoslavia.

I then took opportunity to tell him that I hoped he would continue
personally as leader of Yugoslavia provided that he restored four
freedoms now lacking in this country; in my opinion under present
conditions Yugoslav Government would not get dime or pair of shoes
from my Government.

Tito replied he was extremely sorry his Government would not
receive US help under present conditions, that I seemingly could not
understand that his Government is obliged to take very severe measures
against terroristic groups seeking to change Government by force
unfortunately sometimes aided or encouraged by representatives of
Western Powers. He did not deny lack of freedom in Yugoslavia
but said new Yugoslavia is only year and half old. He wondered
if I realized how conditions were in America in its early years of
independence. He said “in forming new state you have to employ
more severe measures than ordinarily and freedom of majority is
more important than freedom of minority”.

I then said I did not believe he represented majority, that elections
in my opinion were fraudulent, voters were driven to polls by intimida-
tion and coercion. In genuine elections his Government would have
lost. Tito said “they were freest elections in Yugoslav history”. I
explained “majority would have voted against communism. Your
personal popularity 1s something else”. Tito said not possible to
separate actual situation in country and his personality.

He returned to question of terrorists saying he wanted 1it settled
between Yugoslavia and US Governments and attitude of US Gov-
ernment will determine whether Yugoslavia will publicize trial of
terrorists to be held soon. In his opinion it is necessary to show
good will to settle our mutual difficulties whether they be factual or
not. “If we continue to accuse each other we will never get any-
where”. I said “you cannot get good will by shooting down American
planes ;” he rejoined “neither by violating our territory.”