The present essay analyses the relations between the Communist Party of the Free Territory
of Trieste (CP FTT) and the Czechoslovak Communist Party in the beginning of
the Cold War. Focusing on the period between 1947 and 1954 the essay shows the asymmetrical
relationship between the two parties: if on one side the PC FTT was constantly
seeking for recognition and support by ‘fraternal parties’ located beyond the Iron Curtain,
on the other side Prague, was more reluctant in supporting this cooperation. However,
it would be misleading to think that the Czechoslovak Communist Party has not
supported its comrades from Trieste. Czechoslovak communists have contributed widely
to the activities of the PC FTT, especially after the split between Stalin and Tito. Even if
the Italian and the French Communist Parties remained among the most important Western
partners, Prague’s support for the Trieste party remained crucial, constituting one
of the most substantial contributions the CCP offered to ‘brother parties’ not in power.
