740.00119 Control (Italy)/8–1944: Airgram
The Secretary of State to the American Representative on the Advisory Council for Italy (Kirk)
A–7. Please deliver to President of Council of Ministers following reply to his memorandum of July 22 which Reber brought with him. Translation of memorandum was sent you by air mail August 12.
“Thank you for your memorandum of July 22, delivered by Mr. Reber, containing your views on the various political and economic problems confronting your country. It will be helpful to those of us here giving attention to such problems. I have given it careful thought.
With respect to the Armistice terms, you are fully aware that in their application by the Allied Governments they are being used for the sole purpose of furthering the prosecution of the war against Germany, whose total defeat is the primary objective of all of us. Should the Italian Government have specific proposals to make with regard to their amendment, the United States Government would be glad to receive them. The de jure position of Italy with respect to the terms of the Armistice seems to me to be secondary to the de facto relations with the United Nations which your country is daily creating by its increasing contribution to the successful military campaign in Italy. When final victory over our enemies has been achieved you may be sure that the contribution of the new Italy will not be ignored.
[Page 1146]Your country’s desire to participate actively in the struggle against Germany is appreciated and understood. You and your Chiefs of Staff realize, of course, that there are practical limitations with respect to equipping and supplying a large armed force. Sympathetic consideration will continue to be given, within the limit of military requirements and supply possibilities, to increasing the active military participation of the Italian Armed Forces in the present campaign. As you are aware a definite proposal to this end is now under study.
I also have every sympathy with your desire that Italy be permitted to participate in the various international organizations, conferences and ideas whose success must ultimately depend, of course, on the contributions of all free and peace-loving nations. You are keenly aware, I am sure, that the crimes of the Fascist Government committed in the name of Italy against many of the United Nations will require patience, understanding, and hard work to overcome. You may count, however, on the sympathy and support of this Government in any endeavors and aspirations in this direction. This Government would be prepared to receive in an unofficial capacity a technical representative or representatives of Italy who might not only discuss economic and financial questions but also could report directly to your Government in regard to such matters as the treatment of Italian prisoners of war, et cetera.
Italy’s economic position has been the subject of constant and careful study by this Government and its Allies ever since the beginning of the liberation of Italian territory. As the military campaign moves further north and the military interest in the more remote liberated areas diminishes, this Government has been giving serious attention to ways and means of financing and improving Italy’s imports for civilian needs. For various reasons, principally the limitations placed on lend-lease funds with respect to civilian supply and rehabilitation, it is not practical to consider lend-lease aid as a solution to Italy’s present economic problems. It is hoped, however, that some satisfactory formula will be evolved in the near future.
I am glad to have your views concerning the functions of the ACC and its relationship to Italian life. Until our armed forces, and those fighting with them, have achieved victory over the Germans, it is essential that the Allied Theater Commander retain the authority which he exercises through the ACC to prosecute the war to a successful conclusion. The present composition of the ACC is, however, being studied by the Allied Governments in the light of increasing civilian problems confronting the Italian Government and the ACC. The desire of the Allied Governments to return to Italian administration liberated areas as soon as military conditions permit is manifested in the recent restoration to the Italian Government of seven provinces in Central Italy including the capital of the country.
It is a matter of record that Italian citizens residing in this country were relieved of the application of enemy-alien regulations as early as October 1942 and, except for a handful of persons of doubtful loyalty, they have since enjoyed liberty of movement within the country and freedom of opportunity to earn their livelihood. This Government has in no instance discouraged other nations having an Italian population from following a similar course.
This Government welcomes the expression of the course which the new democratic Italy has set for itself and your assurances of the [Page 1147] part it will undertake in the reconstruction of Europe and a stable and ordered world. This is, of course, in harmony with the aims of this country and in the fulfillment of these aims Italy may be assured of the collaboration and the friendship of the U.S.A.”
Please inform Murphy and Stone.