740.00119 Control (Italy)/11–1645: Telegram

The Chargé in Italy (The Chargé in Italy) to the Secretary of State

3564. In replying to AFHG’s unfavorable reaction to AC’s original suggestion that military observers be stationed on the west coast of Istria in implementation of article 1 of the Belgrade Agreement (see my 2926 of October 2) Admiral Stone has telegraphed as follows:

(Begin paraphrase) Apparently I did not make the facts clear and I am sorry. While I admit that the facts are largely circumstantial based on assumption and evidence I must emphasize that if we did not face reality we should be failing in our duty. I made these suggestions because (1) the decision of the Council of Foreign Ministers at London which admittedly may never be implemented to send a commission (to Venezia Giulia) would almost certainly invite the Yugoslavians to populate with their own nationals the towns which are Italian by origin in zone B; (2) every effort in every field to sabotage the Morgan Agreement has been made by the Yugoslavians.

I concur with the policy outlined in your 5139 of November 1 only if we are content to look on and watch this progress otherwise the action recommended in my 6418 of October 2 is urged.20 (End of paraphrase)

Repeated Caserta 1055.

Key
  1. For action recommended by Admiral Stone, see telegram 2926, October 2, 7 p.m., from Rome, p. 1205.