865.01/2479: Telegram
The American Representative on the Advisory Council for Italy (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
The King received Macmillan, Sir Noel Charles and me yesterday and as result of conversation and further one today with Marshal Badoglio, King decided to carry out proposal conveyed to American and British Governments through General Mason MacFarlane on February 2125 announcing his irrevocable decision to retire from public life and appoint Crown Prince Humbert, Lieutenant of the Realm on the day the Allies enter Rome. This announcement will be made at midday Wednesday.26
We welcomed King’s decision though strongly advised him to hand over his power to Crown Prince immediately as we thought such action would be of greatest benefit to Italy in bringing together moderate elements to assist in forming all around democratic government. At same time it would probably meet wishes of the Government and people of the United States and Great Britain.
Marshal Badoglio hopes on strength of King’s initiative to form broad-based government in which all six parties with possible exception of Party of Action will participate. He proposes to make Benedetto Croce Minister without Portfolio, give important Ministry of Interior to a Liberal and keep Ministry of Foreign Affairs in his own hands.
While I trust that the sanguine hopes of the King and Marshal will be fulfilled, I think they would have stood more chance of success had the King been able to make a bolder gesture.