740.00119 Control (Italy)/5–945: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:30 p.m.]
77. Generals Morgan and Hamlin27 had meeting with Tito yesterday. Tito rejected SACMED proposals, the principal one of which was Allied occupation of Trieste and corridor in Italy north of Austrian border. Tito considered this as Slovene territory conquered by his troops which Yugoslavia has right to occupy because of its sacrifices in Allied cause. He mentioned that at peace conference he would claim territory west of Isonzo.
Tito offered SACMED full and unrestricted use of Port of Trieste and the communications he required. He suggested a joint military commission in this area with civil administration on by Partisan Government which has now taken control.
While meeting was in session I explained to Aelbit [Velebit?],28 acting head of Foreign Office, orally and in writing the United States position as set forth in Department’s 74, May 7, omitting the reference to AMG throughout Venezia Giulia.
He informed Tito, who is Acting Foreign Minister, immediately after meeting.
Tito’s position makes it clear that he views the problem as political, he intends to establish Yugoslav sovereignty by force over the area up to the Isonzo, and that it will daily become more difficult to dislodge him. To accept this assumption of sovereignty I believe we should take action recommended in my 62, May 2, backed by amply powerful forces which I understand SACMED has at his disposal.
Colonel Lindsay, Chief of our Military Mission, attended meeting yesterday and told me Tito impressed him at beginning as most unsure of himself. I share with my British colleague the view that Tito is not at all certain of Soviet support on this issue.
[Sent] Department as 77 Caserta as 29.