865.014/10–1849: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy
niact
2559. Tarchiani reports Council of Mins meets tomorrow and wld consider then any new instrs re Itcols.
Before meeting of Council request you convey following urgently to Sforza.
Consider question Itcols approaching critical stage Comite one and sub-Comite and if solution to be found this session it is essential that problem be viewed in light of stark realities. US Del is convinced tone [Page 594] and temper other Dels such that Ital trusteeship Somaliland now dependent simultaneous solution Eritrea acceptable Ethiopia and that failure reach solution those territories wld seriously jeopardize reaching any solution Libya. Further Dept gravely concerned that another postponement of disposition of even one of territories, much less all of them, wld only serve aggravate relations all countries concerned and wld adversely affect prestige of UN.
Point out we have worked hard for solution Libya which will safeguard Italy’s interests in that territory and say are convinced developments thus far are encouraging. We shall continue work for Ital trusteeship Somaliland in support of which Jessup made strong statement in sub-Comite this morning.
Pls explain Sforza our compromise formula Eritrea (Delga 87,1 Gadel 552 and related tels rptd you today) and say we believe such a solution offers best possibilities effecting solution and at same time safeguarding rights and interests of all elements population Eritrea. While Emperor wld have control Fon relations and external defense the people of Eritrea wld have control of their internal affairs. Econ Customs Union wld undoubtedly benefit both territories and role of Ital population in Eritrea in Admin might enable them play increasingly important part development Ethiopia as well. We believe this solution might mark beginning new era Italo-Ethiop friendship and collaboration, while on the other hand failure reach satis solution Eritrea owing to Ital opposition wld most certainly further embitter their relations and perhaps preclude all possible future Ital participation development Eastern Africa. While we are not convinced popular support sudden upsurge independent movement Eritrea, much less genuineness of espousal that cause by Latin Amer Dels, establishment “autonomous state” shld go far to satisfy element supporting independence Eritrea.
Finally you shld state to Sforza in all frankness that we hope Ital Govt will cooperate with us in finding compromise solution Eritrea which will make it possible dispose finally problem Itcols and remove this cause of dissension. To this end we hope Ital Govt will be able urgently instr Tarchiani support solution along lines our compromise formula in order agreement may be achieved current sub-Comite deliberation.