741.13/2–350: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State
priority
Rome, February
3, 1950—7 p. m.
436. We are informed that during his visit Bevin discussed following subjects with Sforza and Foreign Office:
- 1.
- Yugoslavia. Bevin inquired regarding developments re Trieste and when informed that Italians adhered to Tripartite Declaration he pointed out that this would be difficult to obtain in actual practice. He mentioned, however, that Yugoslavs might be preoccupied over possibility of Russian surprise adherence to declaration as move against Yugoslavs and, therefore, would be disposed to negotiate with Italy. He was told in general way of recent Yugoslav approach to Foreign Office (Embtel 399, February 1, repeated London 48)1 and that matter was now under study.
Sforza pointed out that Yugoslav position vis-à-vis Russia would not be helped by too rapid political developments and that emphasis should be more along economic lines. He also felt any possibility of discussions with Italy would not be helped if Yugoslavs felt they had backing of UK and US.
[Here follow three paragraphs on subjects other than Trieste.]
Sent Department 436; repeated London 53.
Dunn
- Not printed.↩