REACTIONS IN INNSBRUCK TO THE SOUTH TYROLEAN AUTONOMY QUESTION.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00457R000400610003-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 4, 1999
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: March 27, 1947
• Content Type: IR

/09/08
T i d r t is he:e'; rcg.adei to
2 04 ROD040Q6
Director of Central lntell;gence
Archivist of the United States.
Next-Review Date: 2088
.n
wtN I HEAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP
INTELLIGENCE REPORT
COUNTRY Austria/Tyrol
SUBJECT Reactions in Innsbruck to the South Tyrolean
Autonomy Question.
ORIGIN
25X1X
25X1A
ADSO'"
DADSO
EXEC.
CONTROL
PLANS
25X1A
DATE: 25X1 A
INFO.
DIST. 27 March 191x7
PAGES 2
SUPPLEMENT
1. "Tyrolean territorial unity is our first political consideration. It will not be
possible to reach an understanding, with anyone who does not accept this idea or
who does not regard the temporary solutions as a mere step towards the achievement
of our ultimate goal,. We consider as a temporary solution the special position
established for the South Tyrol in Paris (provisions affecting the German--speaking
population of the Province of Bolzano and the bi-lingual population of the Province
of Trentino). We shall devote all our energies to seeing this special position
upheld; now is the time to redouble our efforts in this direction. By this we
mean an increasingly energetic stand by the South Tyrol for the establishment of
a true autonomy and an energetic bid for the recognition of its claims by public
opinion abroad. At a certain moment, about six months after the conclusion of
the Paris Agreement, South Tyrol should make a direct official appeal, not only
to Austria, but also to the 22 states which will sign the Italian peace treaty.
At this time, it should be pointed out that the Italian promises have not been
fulfilled in any way;; that no efforts are being made in the South Tyrol to satisfy
the various South Tyrolean claims, even on the basis of a temporary solution.
2.~ In meetings and announcements, protests should be voiced against this disregard
of solemn obligations. No consideration must be given to legal sophistry such
as, for instance, the claim that the Paris Agreement is not yet valid; in our
opinion, Italyts obligations toward the South Tyroleans must be viewed in the
light of natural and democratic considerations, quite independently of formal
agreement. The South Tyrolean Agreement is a gentlemen's agreement, whereby
Italy made certain promises to Austria and the Allies. This agreement should
have been carried out, not only honestly and without reservations, but also
without delay.
The negotiations with the Trentiner, concerning which we are not very well in-
formed, could possibly have doubtful results.. It is certain that they are
disturbing the development which we desire in order to achieve our highest goal,
namely that-first consideration be given the simple claim for the autonomy of
South Tyrol between Bolaano and Salorno. Vhat we have learned so far of the
negotiations would indicate that the South Tyrolean themselves do not know
whether they will be allowed to set up a political program for themselves, and
whether there is any serious basis or hope for an ultimate Tyrolean unity.
Furthermore, any future indefinite and obscure negotiations by the Italian
Government will give Italy the possibility to postpone the final establishment
of autonomy indefinittely. Should the claims of the Trentiner not be specifically
opposed, there is th?> danger that the Government in Rome might succeed in obscur-
ing the fact that t1ut problem of the South Tyrol is peculiar unto itself and
CLASSIFICATION S;?Cf 25X,1A
A DEP. 1 FST
FBV
F8Z
LISTING _MUST BE
FsP ____ SPDA TRI3 ____ X
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP
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25X1A
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 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000400610Q A
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incorporate it in the g:ieral provisions for reryiofial autonomi s. In this
re^ard,, we repeat that we fail to unlerstuad fully rrhp the Chamber of Col:;rieree
of Tiolzano end that of Trento a pronche:d J,: laspori ;jointly, and why this was
stressed as stop in the corm 'on interest of t h., two i' ?oviaces. Despite our
request, we have so far received no explanation or tiais c_ction. Hcrwaver, oven
if this step was relatively harmless, such action can hel:: to confuse: the issue
abroad and Five the cornea "overrL-gent and tlh . Tr entiaer a-, valuabl a weapon for
sabot: Tiny the south Q7roloan autono:ayy.
:+a would therefore li':e to stress the following noire{:: she south T ?rolean
policy must follow a clotr-cut line. Li view of the Italian constitutional
and administrational mot iods, the Tyrolo :n pro f rar i as outline: by us .fill
probably be unavoidably modified in certain points. - The ;south Tyrdloans -must
oppose such modifications of their program and make a serious issue of each
question. In the experience of old Austria with. the policies of the Trdatino
and Trieste we have an excellent example of tactics whichi proved too be very
effective. All we n~i::d to do is to follow U .Is exwalple arid always demand more
from the opposite side than we really expect to obtain,
;;ie w sh to add that t e 'Iyroleaa question, oven in the loan of the autonomous
progra , is an international issue that is also the concern of the Austrian
l'overnnent. South Tyrol ! s position would be much weakened if this were to
be forgotten and if Austrian opinion and, tactics fail. d to be constantly
observed.
6. In, Vienna it is felt that what we don4t strive for, does not happe 1, and that
we need to proceed with Ino-.,e aer n,'. yt; are pla ialitir the foundation of a
Society of the irienth of Tyrol in order to iave c n1 unofficir i:.nstrurtent
available."
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000400610003-1