865.4016/12–2247: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy
2704. Austrian Minister Dr. Kleinwaechter called this morning on instructions from his Govt (urtel 4138, Dec. 23, rptd Vienna as 69, London as 29685) to discuss draft Italian legislation to implement local autonomy for South Tyrol. Kleinwaechter stated South Tyrolese People’s Party felt its delegation had not been permitted sufficient consultation in preparation of draft autonomy law as provided in Sept 5 Agreement. The Austrian Govt had instructed its Legation Rome to request postponement of enactment in order to permit further consultation with representatives South Tyrolese. The hope was expressed that US through Embassy Rome might support request informally with the Italian Govt. Kleinwaechter added, however, it was [Page 1228] felt that any such informal representations should not appear to have been made at the request of his Govt.
He was informed that in the first instance this seemed a matter between South Tyrolese and Italian Govt but that if his Govt felt the terms of the Sept 5 Agreement were not being fulfilled, the question might well be discussed between the Govts of Italy and Austria. The United States was reluctant to intervene in any manner so long as hope remained that the two Govts could solve through their own efforts any problem arising under the Sept 5 Agreement. Kleinwaechter feared that legislation might be passed before the views of the Tyrolese were given further consideration, or discussion between the two Govts could take place. He was assured that the Dept would make further inquiry regarding the present status of this legislation and whether Austrian Govt representations to the Italian Govt had been answered.
Brit Embassy likewise informed us today that Brit Amb in Rome had been instructed to watch the situation carefully and if there were grounds to urge discretion on the Italian Govt.86 Balfour then asked whether Department would be prepared to send similar instructions to you. We agree that the situation should be watched carefully and should you feel developments warrant you are authorized to make an informal approach along these lines.
- Not printed; it reported that the British Ambassador was disturbed over indications that Italian legislative measures were arousing discontent in the South Tyrol which showed signs of erupting into violence against the central Italian Government. The telegram commented that the Italians appeared to be acting in good faith, despite the action of more troublesome elements in the South Tyrol, and that the matter was one which might best be left to be worked out between the Italian Government and the citizens in the Tyrol (865.4016/12–2247).↩
- Telegram 2674, December 19, to Rome, not printed, reported inter alia that the Austrian Minister in London had informed the American Embassy that Chancellor Gruber visited Foreign Secretary Bevin on December 18 and obtained a promise that the British Embassy in Rome would be instructed to advise the Italian Government against proceeding hastily and unilaterally in the South Tyrol autonomy question (863.014/12–1947).↩