Esha Bhandari and Yasmeen H.A. for BBC

The Republic of Italy on the Paris Peace Conference (1946)

by Esha Bhandari and Yasmeen H.A.—BBC World News

BBC recently sat in on the Paris Peace conference immediate following World War II. After listening in on heated debates, particular interest and controversy was sparked with the working paper signatory, the Republic of Italy. Jonah, the representative, had a few words to say of the issue. When asked about what events lead up to this specific conference, Jonah explained that the goal of the committee was to establish democratic freedom in states that were originally Axis powers during World War II. He went on to say that these countries were formerly belligerent states and needed help to gain international recognition and sovereignty.  The main issue stood as what precisely is the definition of democratic freedoms?  How can we ensure that they are sustained?

Jonah went on to clarify that the Republic of Italy is not one of these malevolent states as of 1945, when a treaty was signed that resigned the nation from the Axis powers and instead to fight against the Nazis.

Unfortunately, he says that there are several countries who refuse to see the Republic of Italy as a positive world power but he is firm in saying that a hands-off governmental approach that allows the individual country to decide its democratic republic and how it should be run is key.  “If you choose to have a democratic republic, here’s what Italy can do for you,” he began.  “We can provide you with economic aid.  We can help restructure your government.  We can provide you with national sovereignty.  And, we can provide you with international recognition in the UN. 

 However, if you don’t do this, we can’t help you, and you will not be sovereign,” Jonah concluded.

There was some concern with the lack of troops maintaining peace in various countries, however Jonah continues to affirm that rather than force a nation to be a democratic republic by keeping troops, they should create a peaceful situation where they themselves can decide on how to restructure their governments and how they wish to enforce democratic freedoms based on what each country believes it to be.  Jonah also recognizes the risk of Civil War that it can lead to, but states it is well worth the risk and is more troublesome to have foreign troops patrolling countries in which they do not belong.  His working paper suggests a 10 year maximum in establishing a fair government and sound economy—a time frame he regards as more than enough. 

Although it appears a resolution is well on its way, Jonah stresses the fact that a good and compromised solution can only come about when all countries, even fascist dictatorships, can agree on the definition of democratic freedoms.