740.00119 ACI/73: Telegram
The Chargé at Algiers (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 13—4:34 a.m.]
810. From Reinhardt. Bogomolov called on me yesterday ostensibly to arrange a minor correction in the minutes of the last meeting of the Advisory Council held on February 18.
He then asked me what I thought of Badoglio’s recent letter to General MacFarlane, again raising the question of Italian participation in the Advisory Council which I had circulated a few days ago to the Council members with a view to its possible consideration at the next meeting. I replied that I assumed this request should receive the same treatment as had previous ones, namely, negative treatment. Bogomolov however expressed the opinion that it would be wiser to refer the matter to the several Governments since it dealt with a question of principle of not inconsiderable importance. I said I did not perceive any objection to referring the matter, but pointed [Page 1043] out that even the submission of the question to the Governments for consideration implied the possibility that they might be thinking of modifying the terms of reference of the council laid down at Moscow, an implication which I felt at least in the case of my own Government, was quite contrary to the facts. Bogomolov took no exception to the foregoing but said that if he obtained Moscow’s approval he would propose at the next meeting that Badoglio’s letter be referred to the several Governments for their consideration.
Bogomolov’s insistence in this connection may possibly reflect a Soviet plan to achieve Allied agreement to the sending of diplomatic representative to the Badoglio Government as a compromise between more extensive recognition of Italy as a full ally on the one hand and the present position on the other.
Macmillan has also seen Bogomolov since his return to Algiers and has been equally unsuccessful in inspiring any confirmation of recently reported Soviet intentions in respect of Italy.
In agreement with General Wilson and me, Macmillan suggested to Bogomolov that it would be appropriate for him to resubmit through his Military Mission to the Supreme Allied Commander the Soviet request for air facilities in Italy originally made to MacFarlane. He was also asked to provide full technical details of what was wanted. In discussing the matter with Macmillan, Bogomolov admitted to having made a similar request of Badoglio when in Italy but volunteered no further information. [Reinhardt.]