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

865.01/479: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Algiers (Wiley)

Washington, October 7, 1943—9 p.m.

1820. For Murphy.⁶⁰ Your 1691, October 3, midnight.⁶¹ So far as the Department is aware Count Sforza has made no broadcast “approving the actions of the Badoglio administration”. His remarks at an Italian rally on September 26 have been variously interpreted by the press concerning the degree of support he is willing to give the present Italian government. According to an Associated Press despatch from London on September 28 the Algiers radio reported that Count Sforza had communicated to Marshal Badoglio his full support of the present Italian government as long as it continued its efforts to defeat the Germans. Subsequently Countess Sforza denied in New York any report that the Count had communicated with Badoglio, but this was probably because she had no reason to know of his message to Eisenhower’s headquarters. In order to clarify what he termed “misinterpretation” of his viewpoint, Count Sforza gave the press on October 1 the statement communicated to you in the Department’s recent press telegram.⁶² That represents the most recent public expression of his political views.

With respect to the monarchy, Sforza during his period of exile has consistently denounced the King and the House of Savoy for its part in Italy’s present plight. He has maintained this view in addresses and interviews since the armistice, and has expressed the opinion that Churchill is mistaken in trying to rally anti-Fascist forces around the King; but he has likewise taken the position that the question of constitutional reform should not be forced at this time and that all political bickering should be subordinated to the task of clearing the German invaders out of Italy. In general, while he has talked perhaps too freely, his expressed views tally with the statement he sent to Eisenhower’s headquarters. He is not however committed to joining a Badoglio government nor does he apparently desire to do so.

Hull

60. Robert D. Murphy, Chief Civil Affairs Officer at Algiers; United States Political Adviser on the Staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater; Personal Representative of President Roosevelt in North Africa.
61. Not printed.
62. Telegram No. 1799, October 5; it quoted Sforza as stating to the press that “any ultimate political views of mine and of my friends are subordinate to one supreme duty—union of all the Italians in the war against Germany. Therefore, I would consider it almost an act of treason against Italy to oppose the Badoglio government as long as it organizes and leads war against Germany in full accord with the Allied armies.” (851.01/3002)