865.014/6–149: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State, at Paris
[164.]1 For the Secretary. My British colleague confirmed to me Sforza’s very strong reaction against proposed British statement re Cyrenaica (Embtel to Paris 162 repeated to Department 1591 May 312). Mallet said that after reading text of statement he did not expect such violent objections on part of Sforza. He said he thought the text was mild in nature and no stronger in many respects than the Italian text issued re Tripolitania prior to UN vote. He maintained it was no more than necessary to cope with internal situation in Cyrenaica. He said that Sforza regarded it as breach of faith on part of Bevin and that he had to do utmost to persuade Sforza not to resign immediately. He now does not know whether Sforza will resign upon return from Toulouse. His decision may depend on degree of protest from Italian public opinion. In any event Mallet felt Sforza’s resignation at this time would be most unfortunate in connection with forthcoming debate on Atlantic Pact3 and future trend of Italian policy.
Sent Paris 164; repeated Department 1605.