Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, Europe, Volume II

740.0011 European War 1939/30612: Telegram

Bern, August 9, 1943—noon.
[Received August 10—10:59 a.m.]

4846. Tittmann’s 144, August 6. My 140.60

1.: Although speculation as to developments is dilemma in which Badoglio Government finds itself, little concrete has emerged since my last telegram. General tone Vatican circles continues pessimistic.
2.: There is still Italian people’s overwhelming desire for peace that must be satisfied yet they seem incapable of taking initiative themselves either because they lack experience in democratic processes or because of presence of German military power—probably combination of both. It is difficult to escape conclusion that Italian people are relying on United States to large extent to get them out of war. To illustrate I have heard Italians frequently say that if as charged by Allies, Badoglio Government lost opportunity to get rid of Germans by not taking action against them immediately after fall of Fascist regime, Allies themselves are guilty same mistake because they failed to land military forces on Peninsula while Germans were still in confusion.
3.: Meanwhile liquidation of Fascism by Badoglio Government seems to be making good progress. Recent provision for establishment of commission for investigation rapid accumulation fortunes by Fascists who held public office especially popular. [Tittmann.]

Harrison