860H.50/10–2047: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser (Joyce), at Trieste, to the Secretary of State
secret
Trieste, October
20, 1947—10 p. m.
137. Remytel 136, repeated Belgrade as 87, Rome as 118.1
- 1.
- In inviting both Italian and Yugoslav ad hoc economic delegations to Trieste in writing on September 10, one of conditions was that delegations abstain from any form press publicity. This condition expressly included to prevent additional political agitation from either Italian or Yugoslav side which could only increase local tension and augment security problems already difficult.
- 2.
- Kuralic2 this afternoon in interview with United Press and London Times correspondents said he could not accept terms of reference for economic delegation “because they violated the sovereignty of Yugoslavia”. He added he felt free to criticize AMG because of this violation and whole matter would be taken up through diplomatic channels. He confirmed his departure for Yugoslavia this evening.
- 3.
- This summary action against Kuralic carefully considered this morning by General Airey, General Moore head AMG, my British colleague and myself and it may be considered as of a piece with action taken against Innocente reported mytel 133, October 17.1 We all believe that only by high line in these and future cases, can we maintain our position against continual attempts by Yugoslavs to undermine authority of military government by deliberately false propaganda, distortion and incessant political agitation. We believe that relatively severe prison sentences imposed last week on Communist strike leaders who were convicted for assaulting and intimidating other workers, has had generally beneficial effect. Any indication of weakness or vacillation now would only lead to deterioration of Allied position Trieste.
- 4.
- It is difficult to confine ourselves here to regulation gloves when opponent repudiates Queensbury rules, uses leaded gloves and his second carries tommy gun.
- 5.
- I should appreciate Department’s comments.
Sent Department as 137, repeated Belgrade as 88, to Rome as 119.
Joyce