750G.00/6–1654: Telegram
No. 208
The Ambassador in the United
Kingdom (Aldrich) to the Department
of State1
5764. Limit distribution. From Thompson. Re Deptel 6791.2 Agree general line Department’s thinking and Harrison and I have already been at pains to convince Brosio that we have concern for Italy’s interests and believe he is appreciative of and will report our attitude. I am concerned however timing approach envisaged and risk that it might encourage Italians to think they can bargain Trieste settlement against concessions from US not directly related to Trieste. Believe letter from President or Secretary could be most helpful at appropriate time and that the approach outlined in section 3 is exactly what is called for.
Unless Rome considers continuance present situation too dangerous, would suggest no particular initiative on broad approach at this time since appears evident that Italians are already well aware of pressure of both negative and positive aspects present situation. Any further emphasis on negative aspects would appear from here to be dangerous and risk placing intolerable internal strain on Italian Government. As indicated above, emphasis on positive aspect risks provoking bargaining attitude. Would see no objection to action proposed paragraph 4(b), but fear that proposed in 4(a) might have unfortunate effect in emphasizing that we are making Trieste settlement a condition for carrying out a promise already made. If this point must be raised, suggest more general [Page 458] statement that we are anxious to go on with military planning which is impeded by present status Italo-Yugoslav relations.3
Ambassador Aldrich concurs with foregoing.
- Repeated for information to Belgrade, Paris (for Ambassador), Rome, and Trieste.↩
- Supra.↩
- In telegram 4147 from Rome, June 16, Luce stated she was in general agreement with the thoughts expressed in telegram 6791 to London and endorsed Thompson’s views as expressed in telegram 5764. (750G.00/6–1654)↩