In 1939. Mussolini permitted any South Tirolean to opt for German citizenship. Eightysix percent of the population did so. but only about 25 percent actually emigrated northward before the war was over. In 1948. under a supplementary agreement. almost all of the South Tirolese were able to retrieve Italian nationality. although for many this was dragged out for several years. Of the 70.000 who emigrated. only 9.000 persons have returned. The Austrian position on the social and economic rights of the South Tirolese has been put forth in a speech in the United Nations General Assembly on September 21. 1959. by Dr. Bruno Kreisky.
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emigrated