740.00119 Control (Italy)/5–2345
The British Embassy to the Department of State
Aide-Mémoire
His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom have given further consideration to the proposal made by the Yugoslav Government in their note of May 21st, 1945,57a to the British and American Ambassadors in Belgrade about Venezia Giulia. In the view of His Majesty’s Government it is doubtful whether the Allied Military Government could be satisfactorily maintained in the presence of Yugoslav military forces, however small. Furthermore, Marshal Tito reserves the right to demand modifications even in Field Marshal Alexander’s original line, whereas it is now desired to extend that line so as to include Pola and possibilities of communication between Pola and Trieste.
- 2.
- The situation has changed to such an extent since the Field Marshal’s original proposals were made, that they no longer appear acceptable to His Majesty’s Government and in their view stricter terms should be demanded. Time is on our side; allied force is being strengthened; and His Majesty’s Government see no reason to help Marshal Tito to find a face-saving escape. Provided the United States Government agree, therefore, His Majesty’s Government would prefer to refuse the reopening of discussions with Marshal Tito on the basis of his latest offer and to demand the immediate acceptance of the terms contained in the joint representations of May 15th. These terms should be interpreted in the sense that Yugoslavs should be excluded from the administration of the area in question and Yugoslav forces only accepted within the area provided Field Marshal Alexander agrees.
- 3.
- His Majesty’s Government are awaiting Field Marshal Alexander’s views. In the meantime, they enquire whether the United States Government would be prepared to return a reply to Marshal Tito on the lines suggested.
- 4.
- His Majesty’s Government also wish to point out that inasmuch as under any agreement which is made, the eastern part of Venezia Giulia will be handed over to Yugoslav military occupation and civil administration, the principle must be safeguarded that the ultimate fate of the whole province should be reserved for the peace settlement. The Yugoslav Government must, therefore, subscribe to some statement to the effect that its present occupation of eastern Venezia Giulia does not mean that its annexation to Yugoslavia has been recognised by the British and American Governments.