740.00119 Control (Italy)/4–745: Telegram
The Secretary of State to Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, Political Adviser to the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater, at Caserta
323. CCAC today considered and approved solution of administration of Venezia Giulia based upon US proposal and British plan (2) for its implementation (Depts 315, April 10, 7 p.m.)
The approved recommendations from CCAC to CCS are as follows. SAC should establish and maintain AMG in (a) compartment of Venezia Giulia (excluding Zara) and (b) in city and environs of Tarvis. Anglo-American military Government will work through local authorities found in these regions of whatever nationality. Civil authorities would be responsible to AMG in all cases. In requesting [Page 1121] Yugoslav Government to withdraw all Yugoslav forces from areas described in (a) and (b), Soviet agreement will be requested. Recommendation that the US and UK Governments jointly provide the forces needed to support the plan and necessary civil affairs officers will be made by the CCS to the two Governments. Interim administration of Zara and certain Adriatic islands should be conducted in the name of SAC, although in practice he may have to permit Yugoslavs to administer these areas. AMG should be established and maintained in the province of Bolzano. Present AMG should continue in the Isole Pelagie and Pantelleria. UK and US Governments are considering best method of seeking Soviet cooperation and subsequent Yugoslav agreement. If military reasons require implementation of this plan before Yugoslav and Soviet concurrence has been obtained SAC is instructed to go ahead. (End of CCAC recommendations to CCS).
As soon as CCS approves directive along above lines will be despatched to SAC.82
- Despatched April 28 as Fan 536, not printed.↩