[b]February 1950[/b]
[b]Rome, the Italian Republic[/b]
[center][img=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Emblem_of_Italy.svg][/center]

With the swift response of the Soviet Union Alcide realised he had bitten off more than he could chew. However he was confused about their interest in Libya, it was in no way a communist nation and was very much NATO controlled. He would have to pull out of Yugoslavia and Albania and there was no question about that. Speaking to his cabinet they drew up a response to the Soviets message.

[quote]To: Joseph Stalin
From: Alcide Amedeo Francesco De Gasperi
The Republic of Italy shall withdraw its forces from Albania and Yugoslavia immediately. However no reparations shall be paid out as these lands are rightfully ours anyway. Furthermore we request to know your interest in Libya and why you did not oppose this aim, which was made clear earlier this year, when it was made.[/quote]