865.01/2315: Telegram
The American Representative on the Advisory Council for Italy (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:15 p.m.]
As reported in my telegram24 on yesterday’s meeting of Advisory Council, the present position with regard to Italian political developments is that the Executive Junta of opposition parties with concurrence of Croce and Sforza is now prepared to collaborate with Badoglio government on condition that King put into effect his plan to retire and appoint Prince Humbert Lieutenant of the Realm.
The Executive Junta has accepted King’s plan (Plan A) with modification that it should be put into effect immediately (Plan B) rather [Page 1092] than following liberation of Rome. Accordingly only difference between plans A and B and only outstanding issue between King and opposition is simply one of timing.
With respect to position of King, however, it is consensus here that should Junta fail to induce him to retire now, the opposition parties one after the other following lead of Communist Party will drop their objection to serving in a government under the King and proceed to active collaboration with Badoglio regime and the Socialist and Christian Democrat parties would be the first, the Liberal and Active [Action] parties the last to take this step. Such a development would, of course, spell end of the common front of the six opposition parties.
Under these circumstances, obviously the King is jockeying for time and it is also apparent that he is an obstacle to a coalition of liberal elements. It is doubtful that they will take the initiative to announce his retirement. I am informed that he is even now suggesting the possibility of a technical retirement without public announcement. Victor Emmanuel does not appear conscious or he may be indifferent to prevailing adverse public opinion at home and abroad regarding himself and his record. It may be necessary for some outside agency to give direction to the King’s thought if a satisfactory adjustment to this question is to be found with reasonable speed.
(Please note that due to unsatisfactory cable service from Naples, there is considerable delay in despatch of our telegrams).
- Infra.↩