The Nome Nugget

U.S. and Britain Will Turn
Over To Italy Their Zone
Of Occupation In Trieste

WASHINGTON, (A) The United States and Britain jointly announced they will turn over their occupation zone in the Trieste area to the Italian government for administration "at the earlier practicable date."

This decision was disclosed as a step to halt the "recent deterioration in the relations between Italy and Yugoslavia." Both countries claim the entire free territory of Trieste.

American and British troops have occupied Zone A, including the city and port of Trieste, for nearly eight years. At present some 4,000 American and 3,000 British troops garrison the area.

Yugoslavia occupies the remainder of the area, known as Zone B.

"It is the firm belief of the two governments that this step will contribute to stabilization of a situation which has disturbed the Italo-Yugoslav relations during recent years," the State Department said.

"They trust that it will provide the basis for friendly and fruitful cooperation between Italy and Yugoslavia, which is as important to the security of western Europe as it is to the two countries concerned."