Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Europe: Political and Economic Developments, Volume IV, Part 1

750G.0221/12–2350: Telegram

No. 84

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy ²

secret

Washington, December 30, 1950—2 p.m.

2715. Dep infotel Dec 21, 4 a.m.³ In view (1) possibility Sov Govt agrees to broad four-power talks⁴ may raise Trieste question, (2) possibility Brit may formally propose to us new action, (3) major phase Ital-Yugo econ negots now completed, request views addressees on desirability US, UK and possibly France approaching Ital and Yugo Govts in near future to urge they secretly undertake reach mutually acceptable solution problem FTT. Dept believes approach cld be based on interest to both Ital and Yugo in removing dispute between them prior to possible Sov maneuvers involving Trieste.⁵

Before raising matter with Brit, Dept desires ur comments on points made Moscow tel 1239 Dec 23 rptd Rome 28, Trieste 5, Belgrade 30,⁶ on any other points that occur to you, and on validity fol principles which wld guide discussions with Brit (and Fr):

(1) While urging Ital and Yugo to negotiate secretly together, Western Powers shld continue refrain from entering into substance territorial aspect negs.

(2) Western Powers shld devise soonest concerted methods for assisting in implementing any Ital-Yugo agreement which wld abolish FTT, having in mind Peace Treaty obligations and Security Council responsibilities.

You shld not discuss this matter with reps other govts at this stage.

Acheson

2. Drafted by Joseph N. Greene of the Office of Western European Affairs and cleared with Bonbright, Jessup, EE, and UNP; repeated to Belgrade, Trieste, Paris, London, and Moscow.
3. This telegram reported that the British wanted to remove their troops from Trieste and suggested that the Italians be pushed toward negotiating a settlement with the Yugoslavs. (700.00(S)/12–2150)
4. For documentation concerning the negotiations leading to the Four-Power Exploratory Talks in Paris, see vol. iii, Part 1, pp. 1086 ff.
5. The final portion of this paragraph was deleted prior to the transmission of this telegram. In draft the final sentence reads as follows: “Dept believes approach cld be based on interest to both Ital and Yugo in removing source dispute between them and in anticipating Sov maneuvers involving Trieste which might seriously impede chances achieving mutually acceptable solution.”
6. Telegram 1239 stated the position that there would be strong political and military advantages to ending the present anomalous status of the Free Territory of Trieste (FTT). Such a settlement would remove “one fruitful source of dispute” between Italy and Yugoslavia, thereby depriving the Soviets of a “useful propaganda weapon”, and would allow the British and the United States to employ their troops in more crucial theaters. (750G.0221/12–52350)