865.01/2188: Telegram
The Chargé at Algiers (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2 p.m.]
826. From Reinhardt. Italian Government has informed MacFarlane that it proposes to issue for publication and broadcast today March 14 a communiqué along the following lines:
The Government of the USSR and the Royal Government of Italy, though [the desire was?] officially expressed some time ago on the part of the latter, have agreed to establish direct relations between the two countries. They will proceed without delay to the exchange of representatives enjoying the usual diplomatic status, in compliance with this decision.
MacFarlane has been informed by Foreign Office that the first phrase was inserted at the request of the Soviet representative and refers in fact to the general expression of Italian desire for closer relations with the Allied Powers, a general request made in December to all members of the Advisory Council when on their trip to Italy. [Reinhardt.]