865.01/2219: Telegram
The Chargé at Algiers (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 18—11:51 a.m.]
871. From L’Heureux. In response to AFHQ instructions mentioned in my 859, March 16, 6 p.m., General MacFarlane telegraphs that his previous messages should have made it clear that the decision for exchange of Italian-Soviet representatives was that of the Soviet Government following the general request for closer relations made in December to all members of the Advisory Council, although the communiqué implies that the Italian Government took the initiative. MacFarlane points out that the Allied Control Commission was notified immediately by the Italian Government of the Soviet proposal. He comments that if any protest should be made to Badoglio at this stage, it would constitute in fact a protest against Russian rather than Italian action.
AFHQ is assuming that Macmillan and Reinhardt are considering with MacFarlane directly whether the instructions should be carried out. [L’Heureux.]