865.00/4–2948: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy
1278. Prior to his departure for Rome, Di Stefano inquired whether in view Ital electoral situation Dept contemplated reinforcing President’s [Page 797] statement Dec 13 re Italy1 (urtel 1989 April 29).2 He was informed some consideration had been given to possible statement in this connection, but no decision had been reached and there was some question re advisability. It was pointed out De Gasperi had not requested such assurance be given by US, either privately or in form public declaration. Di Stefano then implied he might raise this matter with De Gasperi, and it was suggested subject was one De Gasperi shd discuss with you.
Assurances which Dept had in mind were along lines previously suggested by you and subsequently authorized in Deptel 1131 Apr 20.3
Di Stefano’s remarks re Trieste presumably based on statement, in response to his inquiry, that US had no present intention withdrawing forces from Trieste until satisfactory settlement that area obtained, and that maintenance this position might be expected if Itals also maintain their present position re eventual settlement FTT question. In response to further query, he was told that in unlikely event by Yugo aggression against Anglo-Amer zone FTT, it seemed safe to assume such aggression would be resisted by force.
- See telmar 70, December 11, p. 746.↩
- In this telegram, not printed, Dunn reported that the oral statement brought by Di Stefano on the position of the U.S. was approximately: “Trieste is frontier of United States and will remain so as long as Italians maintain it as such. Any aggressive action against Trieste will be resisted with all force by USA. If De Gasperi would like assurances of American military assistance in this area, they will be sent him through regular channels or eventually contained in public statement.” Dunn asked for instructions. (865.00/4–2948)↩
- Post, p. 876.↩