750G.00/9–1751: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Dunn ) to the Secretary of State 1
1253. Trieste’s 308 to Dept Sept 14.2 While Dept’s position suggestion further postponement FTT elections must undoubtedly take into account results current and near future discussions with De Gasperi, Emb desires comment on reftel on basis present status situation as viewed from here.
Re question evaluation possible advantage “pressure exercised by imminence of election” in connection Ital position on negotiations with Yugos, Emb continues of opinion that attempts bring pressure on Itals in this way will not be helpful, but on contrary will heighten resistance of Itals to make concessions. Furthermore such tactics will create resentments which might eventually seriously affect our relations with Italy.
As observed by Trieste, scheduling of elections for December would most likely produce unfavorable reaction pro-Italian elements FTT; this would be strongly reflected in Ital Govt circles and public opinion here.
In our view, however, most important consideration bearing on question is whether holding of elections in December will be likely to further or to retard achievement our ultimate objective in FTT, i.e., a final settlement mutually acceptable to Itals and Yugos. In our view the holding of elections would not be conducive to the preparation of the atmosphere necessary for successful negotiations. The pre-election campaign itself will certainly incite the strongest nationalist feelings and will be used for all it is worth by those who desire to prevent a settlement. If, as is quite possible, the elections should result in defeat for moderate elements who would be able support a reasonable settlement, satisfactory compromise will be more difficult than ever to achieve. It would be hard to convince Ital Republic that announcement early in October so soon after the PM’s visit to Washington of elections in December was not a blow to De Gasperi’s attempt to keep things quiet in Trieste [Page 251] in order not to disturb any more than necessary the atmosphere nested all around the Trieste question if there is to be any hope for a settlement.
All things considered, it would seem there is much to be said in favor further indefinite postponement—and very little reason why elections should be held as presently scheduled in December.