Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, The Conferences at Cairo and Tehran, 1943

Roosevelt Papers: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the President¹

secret

Washington, November 20, 1943.

For the President from Secretary Hull

1. Ambassador Ankara² reports that conversations between British and Turkish military on estimated Axis striking power against Turkey revealed wide divergence opinion. Since estimates both sides based self interest Ambassador expects satisfactory compromise on which may be based military assistance required to withstand Axis attack.

2. Algiers reports that directive has been issued to Fifteenth Army group instructing that German prisoners of war accused of atrocities within the Moscow Declaration,³ should not be tried immediately but should be held in custody for subsequent trial. Article Two of Geneva Conference⁴ will be observed but accused will be segregated to prevent evasion.

3. Algiers reports that some embarrassment caused by increasing numbers of partisans escaping to Italian mainland. Although it is desired to avoid giving offense to any Yugoslav group it has been found necessary to intern a number of these people.

4. On November 17 the Department requested Murphy to take up urgently with the appropriate military authorities the establishment of some workable and practical plan for communication between the Holy See and its bishops in Allied occupied territories.

5. On November 18 the Ambassador in Madrid⁵ informed the Foreign Minister of this government’s concern over large number German agents operating throughout Spain. Hayes also stated that the U. S. government joined with the British government in requesting prompt suppression of German Consulate General at Tangiers and expulsion of German agents from that place. Foreign minister stated that he would study note.

6. Algiers reports on November 18 that political situation in Rome has further deteriorated. Badoglio has submitted to General Joyce the names of ministers and technicians who will constitute the temporary government until Rome is reached. Badoglio assures Joyce that none of these people are tainted with Fascism.

7. On November 12, 1943, the American Ambassador at Madrid was authorized to inform the foreign minister that the Department is convinced that the explanations given regarding the Laurel incident⁶ have been advanced in good faith and wishes to believe that the Spanish Government did not intend to imply recognition of the Laurel regime or to disturb relations with the U. S. and the Department and for its part is willing to let the matter rest. The Ambassador was requested to inform the foreign minister that the incident had created a very unfavorable impression in this country which could only be cleared by deeds of a nature to restore confidence.

1. Sent by the White House Map Room, presumably to Oran or Tunis, via military channels.
2. Laurence A. Steinhardt.
3. Declaration of German Atrocities, November 1, 1943; Decade, p. 13.
4. International Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, signed at Geneva July 27, 1929; Foreign Relations, 1929, vol. i, p. 336.
5. Carlton J. H. Hayes.
6. Telegram of congratulation sent by Spanish Foreign Minister Jordana in October 1943 to José P. Laurel, president of the puppet government of the Philippines set up by the Japanese.