750G.00/7–1654: Telegram
No. 227
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia
(Riddleberger) to the Department of State1
47. 1. Having received both London’s 272 to Department2 and Department’s 62 to Belgrade3 now realize that profound misunderstanding exists between London–Washington on one hand and Belgrade on other re tactics on Trieste. This is now clarified by Deptel 62 and I shall be governed accordingly. Urgently wish to comment that we never suggested forcing Italians to accept fait accompli but did recommend how territorial issue might be dealt with here. From Merchant conversation with Italian Ambassador I was under erroneous impression that Department was supporting oral approach.
2. Thompson need have no concern re support here on basis of Department’s instructions which I shall faithfully carry out as in [Page 482] the earlier stages. I do not pretend arguments are convincing in view of whole history of negotiation but I shall do my best with them.… I have not since intervened in view of Department instructions in final sentence first paragraph of Deptel 62.…
- Repeated for information to London, Rome, and Trieste.↩
- Reference presumably is to Document 225.↩
- Supra.↩