740.00119 Control (Italy)/7–3145: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 1—10:25 a.m.]
2159. My despatch 1910, July 13.8 At meeting in Allied Commission July 31 question of turnback of province of Bolzano to Italians along with rest of north Italy (except Venezia Giulia) on August 31 was discussed. AFHQ (Allied Force Headquarters) has asked AC (Allied Commission) for its recommendations with regard to possible modification of CCS (Combined Chiefs of Staff) directive of April 28 (Fan 5369) particularly maintenance of Allied Military Govt in Bolzano. It was decided AC would reply that from administrative standpoint there was no reason why province of Bolzano should not be returned to Italian administration along with rest of northern Italy (except Venezia Giulia) August 31.
In connection with consideration of any modification of Fan 536 I should like to point out that the elements which would make a case for maintaining AMG (Allied Military Government) in Bolzano province until the final determination of Italy’s frontiers do not exist in same measure as in case of Venezia Giulia.10 Aggressive tendencies of Yugoslav Govt and armed forces and official claims which former has put forward for this area requires maintenance of AMG in this territory in order that its final disposition not be prejudiced. No such problem exists with regard to Austria nor is it likely to. According to AC internal situation in Bolzano Province is such that it may be returned to Italian administration without fear of complications. [Page 1013] If in final settlement province of Bolzano is to fall to Austria there is no reason why this could not be accomplished regardless of interim Italian administration. By insisting on maintaining Bolzano under AMG where no problem at present exists, I submit that Allied Govts would be prejudicing final disposition of this territory.
I understand that British Foreign Office has changed its views with respect to interim administration of Bolzano since despatch of Fan 536 this based on its present policy that Bolzano should remain within new Italian frontiers. This decision is reported to have been taken in view of developments over the past few months in Austria with special reference to Russian influence and the considerable doubt which exists with respect to future political role of Austria in Europe. I am sure that the Dept has given careful consideration to this aspect of problem as well and I would be grateful for comments for my guidance here and at Caserta.
Sent Dept, repeated AmPolAd 451.