Evening star., 1947-08-03
Marshall Encourages
Italy TO Seek Revision
OF lis Peace Treaty.
By John IA. Hshtower
Assoeicted Press Steff Writer

Nss0Stoieo F!esS Sforr Wrtfer
Secretary of State Marshall yester-
day encouraged Italy to seek re-
vision of the italian peace treaty
with an implied assurance of Ameri-
can support.
Gen. Marshall acted in line with
American policy designed to
strengthen Italy against Commun-
ism. give it recognition as a fully
sovereign nation as rapidly as pos
sible and increase the Importance of
Its role in European politics.
His encouragement was expressed
In telegram to the italian Foreign
Minister, Count Carlos Sforza. which
was released by the State Depart
ment along with Count Sforzas re-
ply. Both messages were pegged on
recent approval by the italian
constituent assembly of ratification
Of the peace treaty.
The italian government has yet
to ratify the treaty formally and is
waiting for Russia to act. However,
the Soviet government has indi-
Gated its intention of not ratifying
until after Italy does, so the treaty.
may be indefinitely delayed In be-
coming effective.
u. s. Dislikes Some Provisions.
Despite this delay the United
States already is conducting its rela-
tions with italy almost as If the
treaty were in effect and is making
clear It's dislike of many provisions
and Its intention to support their
revision wherever possible.
From responsible authorities 1t
was learned that United States views
on possible changes include:
i. If the Big -Four foreign minis
ters are unable to agree on eventual
disposition of the former Italian
es-Somaliland, Eritrea and
Libya-the American Government
would support action by the United
Nations to return the colonies to
some sort of Italian control, possibly
through a U. N. trusteeship.
2. This Government would be will
ing to have at least some Of the
naval vessels taken from Italy under
the treaty returned Any combat
ships restored would have to be
scrapped or sunk but smaller vessels
such as tugs could be used by the
Italians.
Favors ReparatiOns Cut.
8. A reduction of the $500, 100000
of reparations which the treaty i'm
poses on Italy Is favored by the
United States but seems improbable
unless Russia and Yugoslavia,
among the principal beneficiaries,
should decide that reduction in
their share might help strengthen
Italian Communists.
4. In the treaty sections provld-
ing for the establishment of Trieste
as free territory, the United States,
If opportunity for positive action
arose, would favor return of Trieste
to Italy, perhaps under some ar
rangement which conceivably might
also be satisfactory to Yugoslavia.
In the cautious diplomatic lam
guage of his note to Count Sforza,
Gen. Marshall did not make def
mite promise but did. make clear
American views on treaty revision.
'Not in Accord With Wishes"
"Certain of the provisions of the
treaty are not in accord with the
United States Governments recon-
mendations or with our wishes" he
said.
within the framework of the
United Nations, or through bilateral
arrangements with the nations con-
cerned, Italy will now be able to
work for such revision of those pro-
visions as may be required.
"At this auspicious moment in the
history of Italy, should like to
convey through you to Premier de
Gasperi the renewed assurance that
the United States Government will
continue in the future, as in the
past, to give to the Italian govern
ment all possible assistance and
support In its undertakings and en-
deavors which look toward the re-
building and strengthening Of free
and prosperous democratic Italy
an italy which must again be a sup
port and an inspiration to democ-
racy and freedom in Europe and
thro,1pho,1t the world" "