865.01/2221: Telegram
The Chargé at Algiers (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 20—9:10 a.m.]
906. From Reber and Reinhardt. Soviet decision to exchange diplomatic representatives with Badoglio government has introduced a new element in relations of Allied Powers with Italy. Regardless of eventual form that Soviet political representation will take they have already secured whatever advantages may accrue from being first of United Nations to establish reciprocal relations with a former enemy.
As we see it there are two courses of action which might be open to the American and British Governments (a) to establish direct diplomatic relations with Italian Government in order not to leave Soviets alone in the field; or (b) to remain with the present control relationship in political matters. In our opinion diplomatic recognition is incompatible with the armistice position and would weaken the degree of control required by military situation in Italy. Consequently we do not believe that the United States or Great Britain should at this time consider the appointment of diplomatic representatives. This view is shared by Mr. Macmillan and General MacFarlane. Should it be desirable for political reasons, which are not possible to estimate here, to introduce an element of reciprocity in our relations with Italy to match the Soviet position, an opportunity would however be presented by the prisoner of war agreement now under discussion, to permit the Italians to establish a prisoner of war mission both in London and in Washington which by agreement could develop other limited functions.
In addition to the Soviet move there are other recent developments which require that political phases of work of Allied Control Commission be adjusted to fit new circumstances. Advisory Council has now decided to hold all its meetings in Naples. A large Soviet delegation is established there and will be shortly followed by delegations of other members of Council. As Department is aware (see Algiers 809, March 12, noon99) British Government is appointing Sir Noel Charles who has ambassadorial rank as its permanent resident representative in Italy although he may temporarily act as Macmillan’s deputy for this purpose. It is important that the U.S. have a similar form of representation and it would be desirable that the two appointments be concerted and timed with an agreement upon the line of policy to be followed by the two Governments.
With the inevitable increase of political activities in Italy as a result of the foregoing there is danger that position of Allied Control Commission [Page 1068] and degree of its control over Italian political scene will be prejudiced unless means are found to provide an adequate link between the U.S. and Great Britain’s political representatives and the Allied Control Commission. Their relationship therefore should be advisory rather than executive and they should consequently have a position in relation to General Alexander’s command similar to that held by Murphy and Macmillan in Algiers under General Eisenhower. Whether attached to staff of Allied CinC in Italy or associated with his deputy General MacFarlane their work would then not conflict or compete with supreme military requirements of control. [Reber and Reinhardt.]
- Not printed.↩