Marshal Tito's Claims
Visited by a British and an American journalist at his headquarters in the Yugoslav mountains, Marshal Tito made an impressive state- ment about the composition of his forces and the ideals of the national liberation movement. He claimed that his army contained 44 per cent. Serbs, 3o per cent. Croats, and that the rest was composed of Slovenes, Montenegrins, Macedonians and others ; and that it in- cluded members of all parties except those whose leaders had entered the service of the enemy or gone into their retreats. His political opponents will doubtless contest some of his statements, but there are certain undeniable facts which speak for themselves. It is he who has organised forces which have challenged the enemy, liberated large areas, and compelled the Germans to keep many divisions under arms in Yugoslavia ; and it is as certain as anything can be that no leader could have achieved such results and maintained the war against Germany so long unless he had the overwhelming sym- pathy of a great part of the population. Here at least is a case where sheer success goes far to prove the claims. The future aims of his national liberation movement embrace the creation of a democratic Yugoslavia, on a federal basis, where all the nationalities would be equal and enjoy their national rights. Marshal Tito said that his Committee had not officially requested recognition from the Allied Governments. He is realistic enough to sec that such a request could not be granted at this stage, or until the people of Yugoslavia have been consulted under conditions of peace. But his at least is an effective organisation in being, successfully waging war in its own country against the Germans. Under these circumstances, how could it not have all the support that the Allies can give? A point that ought to be noted is the Marshal's request to have the services of the former Yugoslav Navy for the defence of the islands.
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