President Roosevelt to the British Prime Minister (Churchill)33
324. By coincidence I was again at Shangri La34 this afternoon when the news from Rome came,35 but this time it seems to be true. If any overtures come we must be certain of the use of all Italian territory and transportation against the Germans in the North and against the whole Balkan peninsula, as well as use of airfields of all kinds. It is my thought that we should come as close as possible to unconditional surrender followed by good treatment of the Italian populace. But I think also that the head devil should be surrendered together with his chief partners in crime. In no event should our officers in the field fix on any general terms without your approval and mine. Let me have your thoughts.
- Copy of telegram obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, N.Y.↩
- Camp used by President Roosevelt in the Catoctin Mountains, Maryland, about 65 miles from Washington.↩
- The resignation of Prime Minister Benito Mussolini and his Cabinet was announced by King Victor Emmanuel on July 25. Field Marshal Pietro Badoglio was appointed Prime Minister.↩