750G.00/8–1054
No. 235
Memorandum by V. Lansing Collins of the Office
of Western European Affairs to the Deputy Director of the
Office (Tyler)
Subject:
- Trieste.
Mrs. Luce has informed me that in her meeting with General Smith today she advanced the idea that sooner or later the United States might have to drop its role of honest broker in the Trieste matter and suggest to the Italians and Yugoslavs a specific settlement. She said that this would involve a démarche to each country saying in effect “this is it”, and pointing out the favorable aspects of our suggested settlement. She said there would also have to be a certain time limit on acceptance, with the statement to the Yugoslavs that otherwise we would implement the October 8 declaration,1 and a statement to the Italians that not only would we implement the October 8 declaration but we would also come out with a strong statement that this settled the Trieste matter for once and for all and forever. Mrs. Luce also pointed out to General Smith [Page 491] the undesirability of the U.S. pressing the Yugoslav solution upon the Italians although she said she admits that this can be done but fears the consequences in Italy.
General Smith reportedly said that this idea was worth considering and promised to take it up with the Secretary.2
- The words “implement the October 8 declaration” were underlined and the words “but would we?” were written in the margin, presumably by Tyler.↩
- Written in the margin at the bottom of the source text are three handwritten notes. The first, by Tyler, reads: “L.C. [Lansing Collins] Will you follow this closely, and let me know if you hear that Gen. Smith did do so, and what the Sec’s reaction is? Did Mrs. Luce suggest a date for the change of role? WRT”. The second note, by Collins, reads: “I have reported to Mr. Tyler. VLC”. The third note, also by Collins, reads: “Mrs. Luce spoke to Messrs Merchant, Smith, Dulles and Pres. Eisenhower about this. All generally in favor. VLC”.↩