VISIT OF THE SVP DELEGATION TO ROME

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CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1
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RIPPUB
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C
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9
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November 9, 2016
Document Release Date: 
December 21, 1998
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4
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Publication Date: 
June 2, 1947
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IR
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0tVed For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000 : . mo r fl s . ERENCE CENTER OFFICIALS o14LY CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP 80230 nEV4An- INTELLIGENCE REPORT COUNTRY Italy/Austria SUBJECT Visit of the SVP Delegation to Rome DATE: INFO. See text X IV* V. Z~ZIYP191 01M PAGES SUPPLEMENT r hmF ~~.$~'.V t q~.,~~ iiV~Qe MJ kdonf~.~,w~"~i8xv.7~.s'3457 .ri '~~?~ (a) At the invitation of Italian Premier De Gasperi an S'P (South Tirol Volkspartei) Delegation, comprising the President Erich .inn, the second Deputy President Dr. Friedl Volgger, the Se aetary-General Dra v, Quggenberg, and Dr. Raffeiner, left for Rome on 15 April,, returning to Bolzano on 25 April. (b) During their stay in Rorie the SVP delegates are reported to have had conversations with the followings Premier De Gaspers., Dr. Innocenti, .:vanoe Bonomi, Chairman of the Autonomy Commission, Nicolo Carandin1, Italian Ambassador in London, Giovanni Boeri, adviser to than Italian Govern- ment on autonomy questions' The Pope, Dr.. Schwarzenberg, Austrian Charge d'Affaires in tRome v (c) 25X1X6 The conversation with Bonomi was of a strictly confidential nature. De Gaaperi told the SVP delegates that it would be better if they did not contact the Bonomi Commi4sion, However, " 4t .:i4a~ re "fiat lYL t:t,u 2:iut i . ti4:ir a. eei g one e".ie1P.1.:+?r .I - $ rand suggested Bonomi himself, on condition that they kept the meeting secret o 20 feral Im& essic~a caf Generally speaking the SYP delegates were satisfied with the results of their trip. A surprisingly friendly atmosphere, prevailed in Rome. and the Italians showed a certain willingness to recognize the South Tirolese viewpoint., On the other hand,, no definite promises were made and the mm st delicate points of issue were scarcely mentioned. Consequently the delegates are not unduly op- tindstics While welcoming the cordiality of the reception accorded them, and the consideration given to their proposals, their innate distrust of the Italians I'I ASQIFICATInra /CONTROL U.S.. OFFICIALS ONLY No C `I TS 3 C Class. CHA.NCE DDA MI)rao r 77 A. I-nne R:6. 77 Date: ~G=`-VWlr_____ I VVV/VV/VO : %.#IM-RUP'O -VV4V/ RVVVOVV3 I VVV4- I s Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 ~~Ict~uT~Q~ U.S. OFFICIALS ONLI CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP keeps them cautious. In particular, they fear that such concessions as the Italians may be prepared to make will be in form rather than sub- stance. They also foresee a hard struggle ahead when details are dis- evzsed. (a) On the basic question of a regional versus provincial auto- nomy the SVP delegates found that De Gasperi and Innocenti had been approaching this problem fr^m a Viewpoint directly opposed to their own. For the Italians, Trentino and South Tirol form one region, and it is merely a question of sepa- rating them to the minimum extent required by the Paris Agree- ment. The South Tirolese on the other hand regard the two provinces as separate entities, and for them the question is to what extent they may safely collaborate In common matters. (b) Defending the Italian viewpoint, Innocenti put forward tre folio-wing thesis. The Paris Agreement may be divided into three parts: the first provides for the minority rights of the South Tirolese, which the Italian 0ove-rnment is in the process of granting and guaranteeing; the third provides for the settlement with Austria of certain problems arising from the South Tirol question which directly affect Austria; sandwiched between the two is the provision for a legisla- tive and executive autnomy, but only as regards those mat- ters referred to in Part I of the Agreement, namely the minority rights. Innocenti asserted that if the Italian Government were prepared to extend the autonorq beyond the minority rights and he indicated that it was - then the South Tirolese must regard this Italian generosity as "a voluntary gift which might he taken back at any tiate". On the basis of this thesis Innocenti maintained that the Italian Government had every right to insist on a regional autonomy, provided that the South Tirolese were given special autonomous rights in connection with minority matters (schools, etc.). (c) The SVP delegates vigorously countered this thesis, and put forward their own proposals for separate diets in Bolzano and Trento, and a joint diet of the two provinces for certain specified common matters. It was here that the Italians made their apparent concession,, De'Gasperi welcomed the SVP pro- poaal as "an important step toward a possible solution". Sub- sequently Innocenti -- presumably acting on instruction from Do Gasperi - showed interest in the SVP proposals, and began to discuss them in more detail. He finally told the SVP dele- gates that he was preparing a new draft autonomy statute on the lines of their proposals, and even read them extracts from it, This draft will be submitted to the Bonomi Commission for consideration, and then the SVP and other interested parties (including the Trentiners) will be invited to Rome again to discuss it. This invitation is expected in about three to four weeks. Innocenti incidentally told the SVP delegates that the Costituente hoped to deal with the South Tirol question before discussing the other general autnony schemes. jr% WA 1- MINA U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY 25X1A2g Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 On ALL U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP 25X1 A2g 3 SO-3 (d) The SVP delegates are said to believe that, provided no undue pressure is exerted by the Trentlners or any other outside party, there is a reasonable chance that the autonoir statute will be based on their proposals. They fear, however, that when it comes to the vital question of the division of powers between the separate Diets and the joint Diet, the Italians will insist that all the important powers be vested in the joint, Diet, with the final result that the autonomy will be provin- cial in form, but regional in substance. (e) This question of the division of powers is for the SVP leaders the crucial one. They point out that in their proposals they have gone as far as they possibly can. They fear that the Italians will put forward counter- proposals (if a nature which will place them in the dif- ficult position of either having to reject the Italian draft completely, or of agreeing to accept it as a basis for negotiation which will inevitably' le,-d to a modifi- cation in Italy?s favor of their final offer. (f) The SVP leaders are already discussing what position they should adopt if and when this situation arises. Their former determinr-tion is somewhat weakened by (a) the feeling that time is working against them in that it is greatly in their interests to settle the whole South Tirol question before the next Italian elec- tions, and (b) the belief that failure to reach agreement in M,acow on the Austrian Treaty has considerably weakened their main outside support. On the other hand, in their efforts to meet the Italians half way they have already gone beyond their terms as agreed upon by the full Direc- tion of the SVP, and they are doubtful that the South Tirolese as a whole would consent to further concessions. Jd Comment: In this connection the Direction of the South Tirole?u Association for Returned Prisoners of War, which comprises some 8,000 youths, has just decided that the time is approaching to take a firm stand against the Italians, and that preparations should be; made accordingly.) (g) For the moment the SVP leaders are merely discussing, with- out attempting to decide, this issue, realizing that the final decision will depend on a. number of unknown factors, such as the attitude of the Austrian Government and the possible'measure of outside support from Austria and the Vestern Powers. A split between the SVP leaders on this issue is not out of the question. (h) In the course of their conversations the SVP d443_7-:gates noticed a marked difference of attitude concerning this question of regional versus provincial autonomy between De Gasperi and Innocenti on the one side, and Carandini, Ronnm-i snd &aerl on the other- The two former were much more insistent on the regional autonomy. De Gapseri stressed the importance of settling the autonomy question immediately, while simultaneously pointing out the internal political difficulties in the way of a settlement. To the SVP dele- gates it seemd clear that, being himself a Trentiner and for the sake of the Trentinera, he wanted the autnoni question settled while he was still in power, and in such ONTRO U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY 25X1A6a Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 ~ONTROL U.S. OFFICIALS ONIS CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP 4 25X1A2g 80230 a way that it amounts as nearly as possible to a re- gional autonomy. Innocenti supports him, either as a good official supporting his master oryfor his own per- sonal reasons. Carandini took an entirely different line. He saw the whole South Tirol question from the European standpoint. To hin_ it is all important for Italy to reach a real understanding with Austria, and he even talked of the Brenner frontier slowly falling away. He seemed to attach little or no importance to the ques- tion of regional versus provincial autonomy. For him it is essential that the South Tirolese should be given as soon as possible the full rights assured to them in Paris, so that an obstacle to the desired understanding between Austria and Italy cen be removed. %eri followed much the same line, indicating that he did not see "why so much consideration was paid to the Trentiners". He in- timated that Bonomi shared his views. Carandini promised to put the South Tirolese case before De Gasperi again. He warned the SVP.delegatea, however, that the granting to South Tirol of its own and full autonomy would be some- what of a shock to the average Italian, and that therefore they would be advised to proceed cautiously. The SVP dele- gates feel that if only Carandini (not Innocenti) were com- petent in the South Tirol question, they could reach an agree- ment with the Italians almost immediately. (1) Innocenti had made a certain headway in his new draft auto- non statute when the SVP delegates had their final talk with him. This talk did not reassure them, for it showed them that, while he is attempting to follow the SVP propo- sals In form, he is still thinking in torms of disguised regional autonomy. (j) Thus, he talked a great deal about the need for three "juri- dical'bodies" in the region (Trentino, South Tirol and the joint body) and for three governors. He further mentioned the difficulty of a suitable common capital town. The SVP delegates objected to all these proposals as unnecessary. In their opinion there need by only the two juridical bodies of Trentino and South Tirol, with the joint Diet sitting some- times in Trento, and sometimes in Bolzano to enact legislation for both provinces, which the two executives will enforce in their separate zones. (k) Innocenti further foresees a common statute for the "Unions regiorale Trentino-Alto Adige". The SVP delegates objected to the Italian name "Alto Adige" and asked for "SlAdtirol". Innocenti doubted if this were possible, but suggested that the SVP might try to find a member of the Costituente who would put forward the proposal that the name "Sfiidtirol" should be allowed as "a generous Italian gesture". The SVP delegates anticipate no difficulty in finding such a sponsor from among the Saragat group. Simultaneously they hope to enlist the sup rt of Austrian Fir 1.l ; Mi irterJ T ra (saber in this question, which they consider of considerable impor- tance, first for its effect on the South Tirolese as a whole, secondly for tourist traffic reasons. (1) The Italians further objected to the powers of the Italian State being specifically defined in the autonomy statute, and the other powers being left to the autonomous region. In their view the powers of the autonomous region must be specifically ~lii~L/CODiTROL U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 Ali l /CMMO U.S. OFFICIALS .ONLY CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP 4. (m) (n) 25X1A2g i -2 It, defined and the rest left to the Italian State. Among the specific powers of the autonomous region, they would agree to some such vague clause as "such other local mat- tern as clearly fall within the competence of the region". Strong opposition came from the Italians to the SVP sugges- tion that local police should fall within the competence of the autonomous authorities. Considering the daily abuses of the Italian police in South Tirol and their policy of intimidation of the local populace, the SITP leaders feel very strongly on this point,, and hope to enlist Gruber's support for it. The SVP proposals contain the provision that only those who have been resident in South Tirol for ten years shall be entitled to vote at the first elections of the autonomous parliament. Innocenti considered that ten years was too long and suggested give, which the SVP leaders do not regare. as wholly unreasonable. At the same time they point out that if five years is accepted there is danger of oxiuding from voting?all the optants for Germany under the Hitler-Mussolini Agreement, who left South.Tirol before 1942. They are conse- quently advising Gruber that, in settling the optants' ques- tion, he must in..ist upon a clause to the effect that the ream dence of the optants in Austria or Germany shall not count as absence from South Tirol. (a) Amonn and Raffeiner discussed the optants' question with Inno- centi. From this discussion they learned that the Italian Charge d'Affaires in Vienna, Coppini, was in. dbme to confer with Innocenti, and further that the Mewrandum of the Austrian Foreign Ministry on the optants' question had.,' finally reached Rome. (b) Innocenti stated that the optsnta' question must also be de- cided by the Costituennte, and not by simple governmental decree as the SVP leaders had assumed. He anticipated no difficulties nor delay here, but the SVP leaders immediately saw:the danger of the optants' question not being settled before the Costituente terminated its business at the end of June? In this case it is more than likely that the very considerable number of optants in South Tirol will be deprived of their voting rights, which will mean that the Italiam will gain almost an equality with the South Tirolese In South Tirol. To meet this danger, Amonn is particularly anxious that Gruber should proceed immediately with the settlement of this question. Carandini told the SVP dele- gates that Gruber hopes to meet De Gasperi in June, but Amonra points out that this will be too late. (c) The SVP delegates sought to convince Innocenti that sanctions against politically coupromised optants in the form of theatr de- s. Wionc? tzat1oa wesf: wrong raid i ticah1.. 3 In `he- " rsj il?re such a principle ran counter to Article 17 of the new Italian Constitution, which provides that no Italian subject shall lose his nationality for political reasons. Secondly, no State will want to take in the denationalized victims. Thirdly, it would bp'difficult to find men prepared to serve on the Commission TT U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 QTR o~ ,Up U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE, GROUP 25X1 A2g 3O23b which is to pass judgment on these people. Innocenti main- tained that !Article 17 of the Italian Constitution did not coils into it, as the Italians did not consider optants who had received German nationality as Italians. He further stated that the Italians hoped to arrange for the inclusion in the German Treaty of a clause compelling Germany to-tike in the.:e denationalized persons. The SVP delegates pointed out that there were many optants in South Tirol, who did not even know whether or not they had lost their Italian nation- ality. In many cases South Tirolese had been struck from the Italian nationality lists without ever being informed. To pre- vent confusion here the South Tirolese put forward the possi- bility of making no distinction between those optants who had received German nationality and those who had not. Both cate- gories could be taken together, and both made to give a de- claration renouncing their option. In such circumstances the denationalization sanction might be replaced by loss of voting rights for a number of years. It seems that Innocenti was not unimpressed by this suggestion, and the SVP leaders hope that Gruber may be able to obtain its acceptance. 5. Tba V~rband_5~ ` . (a) Signor Tabarelli of the DVS has also gone down to Rome to present the Ital.Prin Authorities with his own autonon project. The SVP delegates saw him in Rome, and are wondering whether he came on his own initiative, or was invited by the Italians, who may still desire to play him against the SVP. The SVP dele- gates comp1 1ned bitterly to Innocenti of the IIJS. Innocenti Joked about Tabarelli and his colleagues, suggesting that they should not be taken very seriously. The SVP delegates then asked Innocenti if he were aware that it was generally believed in South Tirol that the DVS had been rounded on Italian inita- tiva and was financed by the Italians. Innocenti replied that he knew nothing of this, and could scarcely credit it. Then, to the astonishment of the South Tirolese, he is reported to have added; "Perhaps the Ministry of Interior is responsible". The SVP delegates, who have always imagined that Innocenti and }3roise are working hand in glove, can only assume that the two must have fallen out over something. (b) Incidentally, the SVP leaders have received a report that Sec- retary-General Vildner of the Austrian Foreign Ministry recently stated that there are two-German-speaking movement in South Tirol, and that he must have statistics as to their relative importance. Nothing is know of any such statements in Innsbruck. Not unnaturally the report has infuriated the SVP leaders, and considerably increased the present mistrust of Vienna. 6. Audi enc. with t The Austrian Minister to the Vatican arranged a private audience for the SVP delegates with the Pope. When the time came the SVP delegates were surprised to find that they were rec. ivo,; in a group audience. They were further mysti- fied when the Pope singled them out for special attention, and repeated three times "a very special blessing sr your people". That evening the Osservatore I i?en did not include the SVP delegates in its usual list of audiences, al- though it mentioned all the others received in the same group. The Austrian QMftW%U4&MT_Wj, U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 W-f9L U. S. OFF1CWS ONLY CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP 25X1 A2g Minister to the Vatican subsequently stated that the whole thing was a mistake on the part of some Vatican official. The SVP delegates are not so certain that the Italian Authorities. are not responsible, 25X1A6a _ Comment: A more likely explanation would seem to be the known caution of the Vatican in the :path Tirol question.) (a) The SVP delegates were favorably impressed by the Austrian Charge d'Affaires, Dr. Schwarzenberg, whom they found most helpful, and intelligent in his grasping of the situation. The informed him fully of the results'of their various con- versations, and particularly of Innocenti's views on the optants' question, (b) They found Schwarzenberg a little too awed by Innocenti, and regretted that he refused to engage Hans Sch8ffel in the Austrian Legation merely because Innocenti was against it. 8. X, U with Private Ind1yidua. s (a) Guggenberg had several talks with an Italian friend of his who knows De Gasperi personally. This friend visited t)e Gasperi after he had received the SVP delegation, and re- ported the Italian Premier as stating that he was more convinced than ever that a solution to the South Tirol problem would be found. (b) Guggenberg'.friend , however, criticized the attitude of the SVP delegation. In his opinion, theysahould have told De Gasoeri that they were ready to assist in the reconstrue tion of Italy and in b ringing about the desired understanding between Italy and Austria; but they had their rights, assured to them in Paris, and if the Italians were not prepared to accept without modification their very conciliatory proposals, then they would refuse all responsibility for what might hap- pen in South Tirol. In short, De Gasperi should be made to reflect on the situation if unrest were to break out in South Tirol. s " tru " T 9. SVP Threat ?o In their talk with Bonomi, who incidentally Impressed them considerably by understanding immediately their point of view, the SVP delegates did hint that if the Italians forced an unfavorable solution on them, the South Tirolese could always adopt the same obstructionist tactics as the Trentiners once em- ployed by refusing to sit in the Tirolese Diet. Innocenti subsequently told the SVP delegates that Bonomi.had informed De Gasperi of this, and that the latter horrified at the poisbibi.' it j nau rekic Led rrio:st wi iien .y. iru ocenti. expressed his opinion that such obstructionist tactics were a mutter for the police, Amonn countered that this might be so in an ordinary Italian province in the midal of Italy, but it was not poaaiUle jui south iixoi, w lose spsi position and rights were internationally recognized. To this Innocenti did not reply. glimen CO? iVOL U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 NTRO U.S. ICFF IALS ONLY CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP -1 1 '1 13 n 25X1A2g 23 LO) (a) There was almost complete harmony between the various members of the SVP delegation. Guggenberg, however, never felt at ease with Dr. Raffeiner, who made several very tactless re- marks in the course of the various conversations. TNith the possibility in mind of replacing Raffeiner by Dr. Tinzl on the next visit to Romer, he asked Innocenti for his views on Tinzl. Innocenti replied that he had nothing personally against Tinzl, but that "his time has not yet come". He was for the moment opposed to his being included on an SVP offi- cial delegation. (b) On the other hand Amonn showed his usual exaggerated confi- dence in Raffeiner, and has even suggested that the latter should return to Rome and stay there as the SVP official representative until the autonomy question has been settled. (c) Guggenberg warns that any such step may well revive the old split in the SVP, as Raffeiner remains as unpopular as ever, and in wide circle, fears are still expressed of the Amann- Raffeiner comb:tnation. 11. Drs innoSlenti?o Poste (a) One fact which impressed the SVP delegates was the all-powerful position of Innocenti in the South Tirol question, Innocenti is technical adviser to the Government on autonomy questions. He acts as liaison between De Gasperi and the Bonomi Commission of which he is a member. He is entrusted with the elaboration of the draft autonomy statutes on which this Commission later works. He is also competent in the optanr.s? question. (b) The SVP delegates are today slightly more favorably disposed toward him than before their Rome visit. Volgger was particularly impressed by his seeming amiability. Amonn inclines to the be- lief that he is merely the competent and loyal official, who will faithfully carry out whatever instructions De Gasperi gives him. Guggenberg maintains his former mistrust of him, while admitting respect for his intelligence and charm. 12. Present PoUUoy 2L the _ SV On 26 April the SVP delegates reported to their colleagues on the SVP Direction in Boizano. itt this conference present policy was discussed. (a) Emphasis was placed on the danger of giving the impression that the SVp delegates are too pleased with the results of their Rome trip. This might lead the Trentiners and others to the belief that they had reached a definite understanding with the Italians, and so cause them to go dcwn to ym me with a view to changing, the present attitude of the Italian Government. Both De Gasperi and Innocenti also advised against too much publicity being given to the recent talks. *+'wrmT AT ~CQ~TRQ~ U.S.OFFICIAIS ONLY Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00457R000600310004-1 o r RaL U.S.OFFICIAM6 ONLY CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP 9 25X1A2g (b) So far as the South Tirolese are concerned, it was decided to give them a. vague picture of the results of the talks in an interview by Erich Amonn given to the local StP organ, the DR. on 28 Aprilo (c) So far as the Austrians., and North Tiroleans in particular, _.------- are concerned, it was felt that it would be better if for th? [aioiaerit~ttie~Aua r an prea~ refrained from wr tin, myth ngo (d) No decision was reached on the very delicate question as to how the Trentiners should now be treated. The Trentiner Christian Democrats are due to visit the SVP leaders in Bol- xano on 29 April. Gug ;enberg advocates that the SVP should merely tell the Trentiners that they found a certain under- standing for their viewpoint in Rome, but that in all cases they are not worrying as a provincial autonomy has been as- sured them in Paris. Either the Italians will accept their proposals, or they will stick to their rights for a complete provincial autonomy. In such circumstances the Trentiners would be best advised to agree to the SVP proposals and to present with them a common front when the next deli,erations take place in Rome. Guggenberg, however, was unable to obtain acceptance of this viewpoint at last Saturday's meeting. 13.~ct&hA,t The greatest need is felt by the SVP leaders for immediate talks with Dr. Gruber, so that the SVP and Austrian policies may be coordinated during the fateful next weeks? Gruber at the moment has lost a great deal of his prestige in Bolzano, because of his insistence on postponing discussion of the South Tirol question until after Moscow. It is hoped, however, that he will see the utmost urgency of his intervening now. If he does not,., there is danger of the whole South Tirol problem being settled without him. The SVP hope for an exchange of views with him almost immediately, at which a joint program will be agreed on, and further that. they may count on his mat active. intervention at this very crucial stage of their history. k.. '~~'4:~EW i?M.F~1~~? ~