CFM Files
United States Delegation Journal
USDel (PC) (Journal) 14
M. Molotov made a speech on the subject of the statement Signor de Gasperi had made on behalf of Italy at the meeting of August 10.81 He stated that the Soviet Union hoped to see the new democratic Italy take its proper place as a member of the community of nations and as an important factor in the Mediterranean. He indicated that Signor de Gasperi’s speech, however, did not condemn Italy’s imperialistic policy under Fascism and seemed to show that the new Italy was following the ideas and polices of the old Italy, particularly in its policy toward Trieste and the Julian March. In referring to the views presented by Signor de Gasperi on the economic clauses, M. Molotov stated that the Soviet Union favored the economic revival of Italy but saw this revival menaced by certain proposed treaty clauses which under the guise of assuring equality of economic opportunity were aimed at placing Italy under the tutelage of certain foreign countries and of trusts and cartels.
M. Aklilou (Ethiopia) spoke with reference to those parts of Signor de Gasperi’s speech which concerned the former Italian colonies. He noted that Italy was objecting to the renunciation of all claims to its former territories in East Africa and was proposing the return of Italians to those territories. He said that to put Italy back into East Africa in any form would constitute a new menace to Ethiopia.
M. Tsaldaris (Greece) referred to the role of Greece in the war against the Axis powers and particularly against Italian aggression. He noted that Signor de Gasperi had stated that Italy was prepared to make sacrifices. He cited the great damage done to Greece by the Italians and the pressing need of Greece for reparation in order to alleviate the desperate economic situation and rebuild the national economy.