740.00119 Control (Italy)/9–845: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
7740. For the Secretary. Field Marshal Alexander has asked CCS for authority to return the province of Bolzano to Italian administration at the time when the remaining provinces of northern Italy revert to Italian control with the exception of Venezia Giulia which remains under Allied Military Govt pending peace treaty settlement. Dept had previously raised no objection to return of Bolzano to Italians provided at time of transfer it is made clear to Italian Govt and people that this step in no way prejudices the ultimate disposition of the territory in question.
Should Council of Foreign Ministers decide to determine disposition of territory by plebiscite, such plebiscite should be undertaken under supervision of Allied Military Govt. In these circumstances do you consider it desirable to defer withdrawal of AMG until Council has deliberated question. War Dept and SACMED55 wish withdrawal at earliest opportunity.
- Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater (British Field Marshal Sir Harold Alexander).↩