Abstract
The paper deals with the formation of the Free Territory of Trieste after the World War Two and with the influence of this problematic area on the process of changing borders in the international framework at the beginning of the Cold War. The creation of the zones A and B under the administration of the UN Security Council and based on the original proposal of British general Morgan will be described.
It will be also analysed their next division between Italy and Yugoslavia, first de facto in 1954 by the Memorandum of Understanding of London and after definitively de iure in 1974 by the Treaty of Osimo. This process is often overshadowed and marginalized by other important events and treaties of the Cold War period.
Thus the object of this paper is to emphasize the significance of the Trieste issue for the study of international relations. It will shown us the significant strategic value of the territory of Trieste as the most important port in the Adriatic for both rival countries.
I analyse the role of the great powers in the border changing process, especially the United States and Great Britain. Part of the paper will be also dedicated to the functioning of the administration of the Free Territory (1947-1954) as a dysfunctional state.