760H.65/6–1649

Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Joseph, N. Greene, Jr., of the Division of Southwest European Affairs

secret

After a discussion of the problem of Italo-Yugoslav boundary, during which I advised Lord Jellicoe of the tenor of the instructions we have sent to our Embassy at Rome, he showed me a copy of a report by the British Ambassador at Rome1 to the Foreign Office in London [Page 508] of a conversation the Ambassador had had with Count Sforza. According to this report, Count Sforza indicated optimism that outstanding problems between Italy and Yugoslavia would be resolved, although he appeared to believe that it is necessary for him to proceed with care lest excessive speed disrupt the scene. With particular reference to Trieste, Count Sforza apparently felt that when other matters are disposed of, it may be possible for Italy and Yugoslavia to reach agreement on the return of Trieste to Italy. He thought that the Yugoslavs would probably propose to the Italians that the latter take all of Zone A and part of Zone B; in response to Sir Victor’s question he expressed the view that although the Yugoslavs may ask for Gorizia in the first instance, their request will be only a bargaining point and will not be pressed. According to the Ambassador’s report, Count Sforza emphasized that he had no intention of raising with the Yugoslavs the Trieste question at the moment, but does expect that it may come up in the future.

  1. Sir Victor Alexander Louis Mallet.