865.014/11–1947: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
6123. Itcol 92. Fifteenth meeting deputies ItCol held today 3 p. m. with Massigli presiding. Italian Ambassador Gallarati Scotti read speech in English presenting view Italian Government that all three former colonies should be placed under Italian trusteeship within [Page 618] framework UN Charter.1 Speech pointed out that because of differences between territories it would be necessary devise suitable form trusteeship for each territory. Bulk speech devoted to praising Italian accomplishments in colonies and claiming great benefits would result from Italian administration in future. Copies of speech being forwarded to Department. Italian memorandum on Eritrea2 already sent Department. Scotti said today written statement regarding Somaliland would be submitted soon.
During questioning British deputy asked if Italian Government had considered length of time trusteeship should last. Italian adviser Cerruli3 replied negatively, saying Italian Government had considered only general question of trusteeship.
In response to questions raised by Douglas as to whether the colonies had been economic and financial liability to Italy, Cerruli asserted cost civilian administration met by revenues from colonies but that military and extraordinary expenses including public works had been paid for by Italian Government. Cerruli insisted that in future these capital investments would be benefit to administration. At Zaroubin’s suggestion, deputies agreed ask Italian representatives to present data on economic questions.
Since deputies could not agree on whether to send Italian statement to Commission nor on text of draft letter transmitting Ethiopian statement to Commission, it was agreed to discuss disposition statements all three governments after hearing Egyptian views at next meeting.
Deputies discussed draft letters replying to certain interested governments for nearly two hours without agreeing on solution. Secretary-General admitted he had exceeded his instructions in sending letters to Canada and Australia identical with letters previously sent to South Africa and New Zealand. Zaroubin very critical this mistake and refused approval Secretary-General’s action retroactively although other three deputies willing to do so. Early in discussion, Zaroubin indicated approval of identical letters to Byelorussia, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia. After misunderstanding concerning letters to Australia and Canada, Zaroubin refused agree to sending letters to Soviet satellites, although other deputies had approved. Apparently Zaroubin felt Soviet satellites being treated differently [Page 619] from British dominions since text of letters were different although practical effect the same. Texts these draft letters to be discussed again at next deputies meeting.
- Tommaso Gallarati Scotti, the Italian Ambassador in the United Kingdom. For the text of Gallarati Scotti’s speech, see Margaret Carlyle (ed.), Documents on International Affairs, 1947–1948, issued under the auspices of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (New York, London, Toronto, Oxford University Press, 1952), p. 250.↩
- The memorandum under reference was circulated to the Deputies as document CFM/D/L/47/IC/70, November 7, 1947, not printed.↩
- Enrico Cerulli, African specialist in the Italian Ministry of State.↩