Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The British Commonwealth and Europe, Volume III

701.0065/31: Telegram

The Consul at Naples (Brandt) to the Secretary of State

Naples, May 20, 1944—12 p.m.
[Received May 21—12:30 p.m.]

74. From Kirk. Department’s 93, May 18, 8 p.m. Commenting on the subject of neutral representation in Italy following fall of Rome I recommend that neutral diplomatic representatives now in Rome be permitted to stay there subject to such measures and precautions as the military may deem necessary for security reasons. The removal of neutral diplomats would appear to be unnecessary provided all proper security measures are taken and aside from the factor of the usefulness to the Allies of the representatives of the protecting powers in a transition period would in effect force a suspension of diplomatic relations between the RIG⁴¹ and the neutrals involved which in turn would unnecessarily weaken and humiliate the Italian Government at home and abroad. Furthermore it is assumed that basic reason for considering removal of neutral diplomats from Rome is one of military security and in this connection it is pointed out that within the bounds of Rome there is another state⁴² to which foreign diplomats are accredited.

While from a theoretical angle it may be desirable as long as Italy is occupied by the Allies to channelize contract [contact?] with the Italian Government through the ACC⁴³ the actual and present practice does not conform to the theory because it is impossible to stop social and official encounters between members of the Italian Government and representatives of foreign Governments present on liberated Italian territory.

It might be more realistic and practical to recognize that it is impossible to establish an exclusive channel of approach to the Italian Government and to permit direct contact and communications between the representatives of United Nations and of neutral nations and the RIG subject to the conditions that the ACC be informed by Italian Foreign Office of all discussions and negotiations and that the Italian Government may not sign any foreign agreement without consent and approval of the ACC.⁴⁴ [Kirk.]

Brandt

41. Royal Italian Government.
42. State of Vatican City.
43. Allied Control Commission.
44. For the original composition of the Allied Control Commission for Italy, November 10, 1943, see Department of State Bulletin, August 6, 1944, p. 137. For details on the reorganization of the Commission in February 1944, see History of the Second World War (United Kingdom Military Series), C. R. S. Harris, Allied Military Administration of Italy 1943–1945 (London, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1957), pp. 117–120.