865.01/2336: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé at Algiers (Chapin)

1173. For Murphy. Thank you for your 1243, April 14, 5 p.m. which gave necessary and interesting background to the developments in Italy last week. It had not been clear from press reports that the King’s announcement on April 12 provided the “solution” to the political crisis. The decision of the Executive Junta on April 15 has apparently confirmed the acceptability of this proposal, at least to the majority of the parties represented on it.

The Department approves your action in taking the initiative with regard to the King’s position. It is, of course, satisfied with the formula which you adopted if it assures the immediate cooperation of the liberal political groups within the Government.

With reference to your 1246, April 15, 9 a.m.,29 you or your Deputy in Naples should inform Bogomolov of the conversations which you and your British colleagues had with the King on April 10 and advise Noel Charles of this action.

If not too long to send by cable, please telegraph the text of the Advisory Council’s recommendation to the Commander in Chief referred to in paragraph 3 of your telegram of April 10, 3 p.m. from Naples. When did the Council receive the concurrence of the Soviet member to this recommendation and has it yet been made to the Commander in Chief?

Hull
  1. Not printed.