865.01/1–2544

The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt

My Dear Mr. President: I have received through the office of your Military Aide a memorandum dated January 2428 enclosing a paraphrased copy of a message (no. 553) from the Prime Minister29 concerning the Italian political situation in the light of recent military developments in Italy.

I and my advisers on the Department’s Policy Committee have reached the conclusion that any political reconstruction in Italy is impossible under the present King and that there should be no further delay in the reconstruction on a broad political base of the present Italian Government.

I consider this an admirable opportunity to submit our views, if you approve, to the Prime Minister and enclose a suggested draft telegram30 in reply.

[Page 1005]

I am receiving indications continually from various serious sources that there is widespread feeling in this country concerning what appears to be our continued support of a discredited King. While I recognize that it has been the British policy to support the King, I feel that it is now essential for us to state our position to the British Government and to make that position public if necessary.

Faithfully yours,

Cordell Hull
  1. Not printed.
  2. Supra.
  3. Draft not printed. The records in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library at Hyde Park, N.Y., indicate that the telegram was not sent.