865.01/2229: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)
689. The following telegram has been received from Reinhardt at Algiers:
[Here follows telegram 925, March 21, 5 p.m., printed on page 1069.]
You should ask to see Molotov or Vyshinski with further reference to the exchange of representatives with Italy and tell him that certain rumors have reached us which would indicate Soviet intentions to follow a separate course in their dealings with the Italian Government and to attempt to achieve closer relations with the Italian Government than exist now between the other Allied Nations and Italy. In your conversations you may in your discretion use as much of Prunas’ story as you consider appropriate. You will not of course make any reference to the source.
You should again emphasize the function of the Advisory Council in considering questions of a non-military nature relating to Italy and tell Molotov that we expect that, during the period of our active military operations against the Germans, any further developments in the relations of the U.S.S.R. with Italy will be referred to the Advisory Council of Italy for consideration and appropriate action.