Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume IV

740.00119 Control (Italy)/9–1245: Telegram

The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

Rome, September 12, 1945—10 a.m.
[Received 11:02 a.m.]

2669. My despatch 2196, September 1⁹⁰ and my telegram 2661, September 11. Foreign Ministry has protested to Allied Commission⁹¹ that Yugoslav authorities are organizing among population of Venezia Giulia a so-called plebiscite favoring transfer of this region to Yugoslavia.

According Foreign Ministry Yugos propagandists make inflammatory speeches in each town occupied by Yugos and then ask inhabitants individually to sign a petition. It is claimed that threats and physical violence are used whenever consent is not readily forthcoming. Cases are cited where machine gun fire was employed as form of intimidation.

In Trieste it is alleged a campaign is being carried on in favor of an “autonomous Trieste under Yugoslavia” methods used are less obvious but whoever refuses to sign is subject to serious threats.

Text of Foreign Ministry’s note to Allied Commission to follow by air mail.⁹²

Sent Dept, repeated Caserta 598.

Kirk

90. Not printed.
91. Foreign Ministry note dated September 6, not printed.
92. Foreign Ministry’s note was transmitted to Department in despatch 2268, September 13, 1945, from Rome; not printed.