Abstract

The article investigates how the Italian community attempted to retain its influence on Eritrea, in spite of Rome's relinquishment of colonial empire stated in the Treaty of Paris. Drawing both on archival sources, and on the Italian press published in Asmara, the paper analyses the various bodies established by the Italian community in order to play a role in the local political life, and to hinder the rising Eritrean nationalism. Most of Eritrean nationalists firmly refused any return to colonial dominion. Between 1947 and 1950 the Italian government continuously revised its policy toward the former colony, and it eventually supported the independence of Eritrea. However, Italian authorities turned out to be unable to open a new phase in the relationship with Africa.