750G.00/8–2354: Telegram
No. 243
The Chargé in the United Kingdom
(Penfield) to the
Department of State1
911. Eyes only Secretary. From Thompson. Do not believe any assistance in present negotiations of action suggested Deptel 10382 would at this state be commensurate with risks involved. A leak might have dangerous effect on Italians. Yugos may insist we force Italian concessions on remaining issues in which case contrary gesture would appear indicated. Regardless of terms of agreement, implementation will give rise to Italo-Yugo difficulties and tension in period immediately following, involvement in which you may wish to avoid. Believe unwise even tentatively commit yourself to visit until post-agreement situation clarified.
If, nevertheless, action decided upon, believe method would be calculated indiscretion on part of Riddleberger or myself. I could tell Velebit I have been consulted but not authorized to inform him. Might be better, however, for such action be taken Belgrade in order not connect it directly with Trieste talks.
- Repeated for information to Belgrade eyes only for Riddleberger and Rome eyes only for Durbrow.↩
- Printed as telegram 173 to Belgrade, Document 241.↩