740.00119 Control (Italy)/8–2245
The Secretary of State to the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs (De Gasperi)
My Dear Mr. Minister: I am grateful for your communication of August 22, 1945, setting forth the Italian views on the general nature of the peace treaty with Italy and on certain territorial problems. This frank and statesmanlike exposition of the Italian point of view is most useful and will receive careful study.
You are, I am sure, fully aware that the objective which the United States will pursue in negotiating the treaties of peace will be the safeguarding of its permanent interests through the establishment of a [Page 1033] just and lasting peace. I know that aim can only coincide with the interests and intentions of all countries concerned. The experiences of this war have proved how greatly the fate of all of us is interwoven with the fate of each and how much the future of civilization depends upon resolute cooperation in the work of peace.
This Government has always desired Italy to take her place in the post-war world as a real factor for peace and progress in Europe. It is convinced that the peace treaty with Italy must be such as to permit the energies and talents of her people to serve the great work of national and international reconstruction. I am confident that democratic Italy approaches the forthcoming negotiations with realistic awareness of the general necessities as well as of her own, and with full comprehension for the legitimate interests of her neighbors and their need for reassurance that Italy is wholeheartedly pledged to the principles and practices of peaceful collaboration.
Your assurances that Italy is ready to cooperate with her neighbors are received with satisfaction. I also note with pleasure your reference to the intentions of the Italian Government to guarantee full freedom to any minority groups in Italian territory, repudiating the futile methods and spirit of the past. The United States will watch with keen interest the implementation of this policy of tolerance and understanding which is rightfully part of the whole process of restoring promptly to the people of every region of Italy, without distinction of race, language, or creed, their rights and direct responsibilities as free citizens of a free country.
I am [etc.]