865.01/2636a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé at Algiers (Chapin)
1848. For Murphy. The President has received the following message from the Prime Minister concerning the composition of the new Italian Government:63
“Badoglio’s replacement by this group of aged and hungry politicians is, I think, a great disaster. From the time when, in spite of the enemy, Badoglio safely delivered the fleet into our hands, he has been a useful instrument to us. It was understood, I thought, that he was to carry on, at least until the democratic north could be brought in and a thoroughly sound Italian government could be formed. We are confronted, instead, with this absolutely unrepresentative crew. As far as I can ascertain, the Italian Advisory Committee has not been consulted. I do not suppose you have had much time to consider it, and I have not had the opportunity of bringing the matter before the Cabinet. At the present time, I was not aware that we had given the Italians, who have cost us so dearly in life and material, the right to form any government they chose without reference to the victorious powers, and without even the slightest pretense of a popular mandate. I view this situation most seriously, and I trust before you make a final decision, you will inform me of your views and give me the opportunity of answering.”
The President has suggested that we obtain your advice and comments before replying to Mr. Churchill.
We have not received any official reports or comments since the formation of the new Government concerning its composition and are thus far dependent on somewhat meagre press reports for our information. Can you or Kirk establish contact with Reber and keep us regularly informed of political developments in Rome and their significance during this decisive period?
We would appreciate your and Kirk’s reaction to the Prime Minister’s message at the earliest possible moment.
Sent to Algiers, repeated to Naples for Kirk and to Moscow.64