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Europe begins to acquire sorne indepen–
dent military muscle, Tito will throw
his lot with her - a Europe who would
and could guarantee Yugoslavia's
national independence from Russia and
call her bluffs and threats of invasion.
For tbeir part, Italy and Europe are
happy to see a strong, prosperous,
Western-oriented Yugoslavia.
Yugoslavia- A Christian Nation
The Vatican is not averse to closer
ties with a country which for centuries
has been part of the European Christian
civilization. Tbe Yugoslav population is
over two thirds Christian (25% Roman
Catholic, 42% Orthodox Church).
It is not surprising that Tito should
be the first Communist head of state to
visit the Vatican. The way for this visit
had been paved in August 1970, when
the two countries established full diplo–
matic relations. By this act, tbe Church
had achieved recognition as a legal body
and won greater freedom of action in
dealing with nations.
The Yugoslav state in theory earned
the respect of its Catholic subjects.
Yugoslavia is the only Communist
country to have sucb relations
with the Holy See except for Cuba.
During his visit, the Pope praised
Tito for his efforts towards peace in the
world. The Pope also expressed tbe fact
that the Vatican, too, is working for
peace and brotherly collaboration
between all peoples.
The unattainable dream of Tito has
been to make Belgrade the center of a
third power block. Perhaps Tito is
beginning to realize that although Bel–
grade could not be that center, his
dream may come true in a united
Europe. With his visit to Italy, Tito has
crossed the Rubicon. O