865.014/1–1147: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy

secret

297. Rome’s 420 Feb 26; Paris’ 131 Jan 11 and 820 Feb 22; and London’s 438 Jan 21.1 Dept does not deem it desirable for Italian [Page 571] representative, observer or expert to accompany Quadripartite Commission of Investigation to be sent to Italian Colonies. However in view importance reconciling Italian Govt and Italian public opinion to any decision on ultimate disposition Colonies, we favor arrangement whereby Italians would be given opportunity consult with Commission, provided similar opportunity given such other interested states as Egypt and Ethiopia which also have immediate interest in problem.

During visit Dept Feb 28, Italian Amb raised with Secy question Italy presenting testimony to Commission. Amb was informed this Govt felt Italy should be afforded opportunity to present Commission with factual evidence considered essential to impartial study Italian claims. Manner and place of presentation not discussed. It was emphasized that any final answer regarding proposed procedure must be made by Deputies who must also extend any invitation to Italian Govt for consultation with Commission.2

Sent Rome as 297; Repeated London as 984, Paris as 807, Moscow as 351, Cairo as 284, and Addis Ababa as 26.

Marshall
  1. None of the telegrams under reference here is printed; they dealt with the Italian Government’s request that an Italian expert be authorized to go to Libya, Eritrea, and Somaliland and be heard by the Commission of Investigation to be sent to the former colonies. (865.014/1–1147, 2–2247, and 2–2647) A similar request was made by the Counselor of the Italian Embassy, Mario di Stefano, in a letter of February 18, 1947, to Loy W. Henderson, not printed (865.014/2–1847).
  2. The Secretary of State’s memorandum of this conversation with Ambassador Alberto Tarchiani, dated February 28, 1947, is not printed (711.65/2–2847). The substance of the views set forth in this paragraph were also transmitted by Loy W. Henderson in a letter to Italian Embassy Counselor di Stefano, dated March 7, 1947, not printed (865.014/2–1847).