840.20/1–2049: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Belgium

top secret

us urgent

61. We would not favor anything in Atlantic Pact with respect to Italy which would be at variance with Peace Treaty on either Trieste or military clauses. Belg impression of US position indicated first sentence para 3 your 101 Jan 20 distinctly erroneous.1 Our position, felt even more strongly now that Ital govt’s wishes have been made clear, is. (1) satisfactory solution of question of Italy must be found; (2) preferably on line indicated para g Annex C Dec 24 paper but (3) if Brussels Treaty countries prefer along line indicated second sentence Deptel 57 Jan 19. We hope this is clear to all Brussels Treaty govts. Question of Italy now principal outstanding question and [Page 42] satisfactory solution would materially expedite conclusion of negotiations.

Lond Paris and Hague pls advise representative govts orally substance foregoing and Dept 57 Jan 19.

Acheson
  1. In telegram 101, not printed, Kirk said that the Belgians had “the distinct impression” that the United States, while favoring Italian participation in the Atlantic Pact, was not insistent on it and “not nearly as favorable” to original Italian adherence as was France, judging from Annex C of the December 24, 1948, paper (840.20/1–2049).