Stalin - Recorded conversation with I. Broz-Tito

May 27, 1946

Secret. 23.00.

Present: from the USSR - V.M. Molotov, USSR Ambassador to Yugoslavia A.I. Lavrentiev; from Yugoslavia - Minister of the Interior A. Rankovich, Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General K. Popovich, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Serbia Neshkovic, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Slovenia Kidric, Ambassador of Yugoslavia to the USSR V. Popovich.

At the beginning of the conversation Comrade Stalin asked Tito that if the statute of a free city was established for Trieste, then whether it would be only about the city or about the surroundings of the city, which statute is better - like Memel or like Danzig.

Tito replied that Slovenes lived in the vicinity of the city. It can only be about the city. But he would like to continue to insist on the inclusion of Trieste in Yugoslavia. Further, Tito, on behalf of the Yugoslav government, expressed gratitude to Comrade. V.M. Molotov for the support rendered by the Soviet delegation in considering the issue of the Italo-Yugoslav border at the Council of Foreign Ministers in Paris.

Molotov gave a certificate on the difference between the statutes of Memel and Danzig, indicating that the statute of the Memel type is more favorable.

Stalin asked Tito what was the situation in industry and agriculture in Yugoslavia.

Tito replied that all the land was sown, an average harvest was expected, and that the industry was doing well.

Then Stalin invited Tito to outline the range of questions on which the Yugoslav delegation would like to speak that evening. Tito named the following issues: economic cooperation between the USSR and Yugoslavia, military cooperation, relations between Yugoslavia and Albania.

On the issue of economic cooperation, Tito said that if America agreed to provide a loan, it would be due to the demand for political concessions from Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia has no means for the further development of industry. The Yugoslav government would like to receive [c. 412] assistance from the Soviet Union, in particular through the creation of mixed Soviet-Yugoslav societies. Yugoslavia has enough mineral and ore resources, but it is not in a position to organize production, because there are no necessary machines. In particular, Yugoslavia has oil, but no drilling rigs.

Stalin said: "We will help."

To the questions of comrade Stalin, whether aluminum, copper and lead are produced in Yugoslavia, Tito answered in the affirmative, noting that "Yugoslavia has a lot of bauxite and ores for the production of these metals."

Stalin noted that the Ministry of Foreign Trade had declared to the Yugoslavs its readiness to negotiate the organization of mixed societies, but no definite answer had been received from the Yugoslavs. Therefore, the impression was created that Yugoslavia does not want to create these societies.

Tito objected, stating that he had repeatedly told Ambassador Sadchikov about the desire of the Yugoslav government to create mixed Soviet-Yugoslav societies.

To the remark of comrade Stalin that after the creation of mixed Soviet-Yugoslav societies would it not be necessary to allow other powers into the economy of Yugoslavia, Tito replied that the Yugoslav government did not intend to allow the capital of other powers into its economy.

Then, as a summary, comrade Stalin said that, in this way, Soviet-Yugoslav economic cooperation is conceived on the basis of the creation of mixed societies.

Tito confirmed this by stating that he intended to submit his proposals on the matter in writing the following day.

On the question of military cooperation, Tito said that the Yugoslav government would like to receive supplies from the Soviet Union for the military needs of Yugoslavia, not in the form of mutual trade settlements, but in the form of a loan. Yugoslavia has a small military industry, it can produce mortars, mines. There are personnel in a number of places. But there is no appropriate equipment, since the Germans took it out. The Yugoslav government wants to get some machines from Germany as reparations for the restoration of some military factories. Nevertheless, Yugoslavia itself cannot satisfy the military needs, and in this respect the Yugoslav government hopes for the help of the Soviet Union.

Stalin said that Yugoslavia should have some [c413] military plants, such as aircraft, because the Yugoslavs can produce aluminum in the presence of rich deposits of bauxite. You also need to have factories for the production of artillery pieces.

Tito remarked that it would be possible to cast cannon barrels in the Soviet Union and process them in Yugoslavia.

Touching upon the question of the Yugoslav maritime border, Comrade Stalin said that to protect it, you need to have a good fleet. We need torpedo boats, patrol boats and armored boats. Although the Soviet Union is weak in this area, but, as Comrade  Stalin said- we will help.

Concerning Albania Comrade Stalin pointed out that the internal political situation in Albania was unclear. There is information indicating that there is something going on between the Politburo of the Communist Party and Enver Hoxha. It was reported that Koche Xoxo wanted to come to Moscow to consider some issues. Before the party congress, Enver Hoxha also expressed his desire to come to Moscow with Xoxe.

Stalin asked Tito if he knew anything about the state of the Communist Party in Albania.

Tito, being ignorant of these matters, replied that Hoxha's arrival in Belgrade was expected in the near future.

Therefore, he, Tito, believes that the Albanians should be told that the question of the arrival of Jodza and Hoxha in Moscow will be considered after Hoxha's trip to Belgrade.

Molotov remarked that we were holding back the desire of the Albanians to come, but the Albanians were insisting on it.

Stalin pointed out that the arrival of Albanians in Moscow could cause an unfavorable reaction from the British and Americans, and this would further complicate the foreign policy situation of Albania,

Further Comrade Stalin asked Tito if Enver Hoxha agreed to include Albania in a federal Yugoslavia. Tito answered in the affirmative.

Stalin said that at the present time it would be difficult for Yugoslavia to solve simultaneously two such questions as the question of incorporating Albania into Yugoslavia and the question of Trieste. Tito agreed with this remark.

Therefore, further remarked comrade. Stalin, the question of friendship and mutual assistance between Albania and Yugoslavia should have been discussed first.

Tito said that the main part of this treaty should provide for the protection of the territorial integrity and national independence of Albania. [c. 414]

Stalin said that it was necessary to find a formula for this treaty and bring Albania closer to Yugoslavia.

Stalin touched upon the question of the inclusion of Bulgaria in the federation.

Tito said that nothing would come of the federation.  Stalin threw a remark: "This must be done."

Tito said that he would not come out with a federation because in reality there are two different regimes. In addition, in Bulgaria the influence of other parties is strong, while in Yugoslavia all power, in the presence of other parties, is actually in the hands of the Communist Party.

Stalin remarked that there was no need to be afraid of this. At first, one can confine oneself to a pact of friendship and mutual assistance, but in essence more needs to be done.

Tito agreed with this.

Molotov noted that at the moment difficulties might arise due to the fact that a peace treaty had not yet been concluded with Bulgaria. Bulgaria is regarded as a former enemy power.

Stalin pointed out that this should not be of significant importance. It is known that the Soviet Union concluded a treaty of friendship with Poland when Poland was not yet recognized by other powers.

Further Comrade. Stalin summarized the conversation as follows: what the Yugoslav government wants in economic and military matters can be arranged. Now we need to create commissions to consider these issues.

Tito informed Comrade Stalin about Yugoslavia's relations with Hungary, announcing Rakosi's arrival in Belgrade. Tito stated that the Yugoslav government had decided not to raise the issue in the Council of Ministers of Yugoslavia's territorial demands on Hungary (claims on the Banja Triangle). Tito expressed satisfaction that Yugoslavia had signed an agreement on reparation payments with Hungary.

Comrade Stalin remarked that if Hungary wanted peaceful relations with Yugoslavia, then Yugoslavia should support these aspirations, bearing in mind that the main difficulties for Yugoslavia were in relations with Greece and Italy.

Recorded by Lavrentiev.

Lavrenov S.A., Popov I.M. Soviet Union

in local wars and conflicts. M., 2003. pp. 707–710.

AP RF. F. 45. Op. 1. D. 397. L. 107–110.