Office of the Historian

501.AA/3–2548: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy

secret
us urgent
niact
Washington, March 25, 1948—1 p. m.

826. For the Ambassador. As you know, Dept has proposed US, UK and France request Security Council reconsider Ital application UN membership in light GA favorable recommendation. Brit FonOff feels, however, gesture at this time might detract from effectiveness Trieste declaration and could in any event be met by Communist counter propaganda to effect USSR favored admission Italy and Balkans, but Western powers blocking Soviet desires.

Dept urgently desires your views in light present Ital situation, as well as any informal Ital reaction you may have.

Marshall