865.01/2492: Telegram
The Consul General at Naples (Brandt) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 7—2:28 p.m.]
139. From Kirk. Communiqué on the resignation of Badoglio government reads in translation as follows:
“Marshal Badoglio today visited the Prince of Piedmont, Lieutenant General of the Realm, and in accordance with Constitutional procedure submitted the resignations of his government. His Royal Highness acknowledged the resignations and instructed Marshal Badoglio to proceed with the formation of a new government to include political leaders now in liberated Rome. In this way it will be possible to set up a government composed of political figures from many regions of Italy. Until the new ministry is constituted the present ministry is to remain in office to deal with current matters.”
Interpretative comment: It is understood that the Marshal with representatives of the political parties forming the present Italian [Page 1125] Government will proceed to Rome in the very near future for the purpose of meeting representative political leaders there and of deciding how best a representative government of all parties can be immediately formed.
No immediate move of the Italian Government to Rome is contemplated. Any Italian Government must necessarily function in territory which has been handed over to its jurisdiction; and it is clear that military necessity does not permit the immediate handing over of the Capital City. The Italian Government, therefore, will continue for the time being to act from Salerno.
Sent to Department, repeated to Algiers. [Kirk.]