740.00119 Control (Italy)/9–447: Telegram
The Consul General at Trieste (Joyce)1 to the Secretary of State
priority
86. 1. The unexpected advent and apparent imminence of R–Day has naturally necessitated rapid revision of military plans based on [Page 566] indefinite continuance present status. Quick decisions are being made and there is certain amount of understandable and probably inevitable confusion. I am proceeding Rome tomorrow September 5 for one-day conference G–5 at request senior civil affairs officer here.2 I shall consult with Embassy and report high-lights from Rome.
2. Have had highly satisfactory meetings with Airey3 and Carnes and am seeing Moore4 Monday.
3. American senior military feels Department could and should stall deposit ratification at least until about end September to allow more time implement removal plans. My reply in matters of high policy involving international commitments and our overall interests will naturally govern but feel sure Army problems here being given due consideration by Washington. Would appreciate message on our R–Day policy which I could show General Moore who apparently feels he being left out in cold and not sufficiently advised on broad policy decisions.
Sent Department; Belgrade No. 64; USPolAd Leghorn No. 8.
- Robert Prather Joyce, appointed Consul General at Trieste, July 1, 1947.↩
- Col. James Jewett Carnes, AUS, Senior Civil Affairs Officer, Allied Military Government Trieste, June 22–October 28, 1947.↩
- Maj. Gen. Terence Sydney Airey, in command of British forces in the Free Territory of Trieste. In March Gen. Lee had announced that the British troops in the FTT would be under command of Gen. Airey, and that no unified command of the national contingents was contemplated.↩
- Maj. Gen. Bryant E. Moore, Commanding General, U.S. Forces, Trieste.↩