665.001/8–251: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Allen) to the Secretary of State 1
144. In course call FonOff other subject Beam received from Assistant FonMin Mates long explanation Yugo attitude re Italian peace treaty revision. Mates much worried present state relations with Italy. Referred to annual spring effervescence Italian Irredentis, saying in spring 1950 Yugo Govt had discussed this amicably with Italian Govt but this year Italian campaign seemed to be out of hand. Mates cld see little difference between De Gasperi attitude [Page 639] and that other members Italian Govt, since De Gasperi responsible for Cabinet policy. Mates believed it possible that Italy in requesting revision peace treaty was more interested in obtaining territorial concessions for its benefits than in amendment military provisions. He said he had knowledge Italian FonOff had sent circular its missions foreign countries emphasizing this aspect. Mates declared Yugo Govt certainly did not regard treaty unchangeable but was afraid of opportunity it wld offer Russians to spread confusion and as regards military matters to justify build-up in satellites and increase pressure on Yugo. Yugo Govt believed correct procedure would be endeavor obtain bilateral settlement between Yugo and Italy on territorial aspects, to wit Trieste and on reparations provisions. Yugo willing continue discussion Trieste in reasonable and calm spirit but objected to campaigns and pressure to which it wld never yield. Discussions had already taken place on reparations matters but Italy seemed to be purposely offering obstruction and delay. According to Mates Yugo Govt’s idea was that attempt shld be made by bilateral negotiations to reach agreement on territorial and reparations issues. Thereafter Yugo Govt might inform NATO countries that it had no objection to revision military provisions of peace treaty but it wld ask these countries to take into account effect on Yugo position particularly vis-à-vis Cominform and Russia which any increase in Italian military establishment wld produce.
- Repeated to Rome.↩