Enemy Intentions in Venezia Giulia (J.I.C.(A.F.) Note)

(b) Naval. Two first-class major ports, FIUME and TRIESTE, through which Anglo-American participation in such a campaign could be built-up and maintained, would be denied to the Allies. Moreover minor operations by special assault craft and also mining could be continued in Northern Adriatic waters. (c) Political Politically there would be little to gain by defending VENEZIA GIULIA since the pretence of defending ITALY must vanish even when withdrawal beyond the PO takes place. Paramount political sentiment in VENEZIA GIULIA is strongly anti-German and the majority of the inhabitants, whose guerilla activities are a continual embarrassment to the enemy, appear to favour inclusion in a federated Yugoslav State such as advocated by the Partisans.