750G.00/10–1454: Telegram
No. 299
The Ambassador in the Soviet
Union (Bohlen) to the Department
of State
546. Pass USUN. Text of Vishinsky letter to Security Council concerning Trieste1 appeared in all Moscow papers October 12 without comment.
Soviet Government’s desire not to take sides in matter or jeopardize its current efforts to “normalize” relations with Yugoslavia were probably contributory factors in decision merely to take note of settlement. In view of its public attitude re necessity for “easing of international tensions through negotiations” it probably also appeared undesirable for Soviet Government (by insisting on its rights as Italian peace treaty signatory) to put itself in position of opposing peaceful settlement reached by negotiation between two parties principally concerned.
Move is, of course, at some variance with action which Soviet Government took last year in bringing Trieste dispute before Security Council.2 Even at that time, however, Soviets did not follow up initial introduction of question into Security Council very energetically and, in general, handled matter in way which suggested to us that Vishinsky might possibly through some mix-up in instructions have gone somewhat further than Soviet Government desired in demanding Security Council consideration of dispute. Caution Soviets displayed at that time on Trieste issue presumably reflected one or more of same considerations dictating their present attitude, although it appears probable that these factors seem to Soviets even more cogent considerations today than they did at that time.