702.6265/7–1244: Telegram
The Consul at Algiers (Lawton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:59 a.m.]
2363. From Murphy. Your 2120, July 6, 9 p.m. The Supreme Allied Commander yesterday telegraphed London that the entry into German consulates at Naples and Bari resulted in obtaining important information of various types including German trade records and statistics, police regulations in Germany and Italy, background material for use by special agents, lists and records of Nazi and Fascist party members and other personalities. There were also obtained topographical and psychological warfare material and handbooks of interest to naval and air intelligence. General Wilson stated that he considered this conclusively proved justification of his request for a reversal of the existing policy of according enemy consulates immunity. The Supreme Allied Commander’s message concludes with the statement that should further evidence be required to prove German carelessness in disposing of important documents he considered inventory material found in German Embassy in Rome provided this.
Does this fresh information change in any way our point of view as expressed in Department’s 2120 July 6, 9 p.m.? [Murphy.]