750G.00/10–1554: Telegram

No. 300
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Department of State
confidential
priority

262. Re Trieste in SC. Brilej (Yugoslav), at his request, spoke with USDel regarding tactics in SC on Trieste. His govt suggests meeting of SC to approve Trieste agreement and decision to remove from agenda of SC question of appointment of a governor FTT. Motivation for three suggestions is to test extent of Soviet “new conciliatory attitude” and to facilitate further improvement Italo-Yugoslav relations.

Upon inquiry he stated categorically that he had in mind a resolution approving Trieste agreement and also expected Yugoslavia and Italians to speak in SC.

He overrode suggestion that developments arising from SC discussion of this matter might hinder rather than help improvement Italo-Yugoslav relations, in apparent assurance that the Soviets could hardly afford, in present circumstances, to raise serious objections to further affirmation of settlement reached. Likewise he was not of the opinion that approval of the agreement would be sufficient action, having in mind that removal of the governor’s appointment question would provide some measure of denial to the Soviets of opportunities for disruptive SC action in the future. It was pointed out to him that the “question of the FTT” would remain on the agenda of the SC.

Brief reference by Brilej to the temporary nature of the Trieste agreement provided only further confirmation USDel impression that the present suggestion is motivated by Yugoslav intent to make more permanent, in a formal fashion, the agreements reached.

Brilej stated that he is approaching US alone at this time with his govt’s suggestion and will not consult with other interested parties until he has learned our reaction. We said we would inform Dept and expressed hope that we would advise him further next Monday. Request instructions.

Lodge