865.01/2188: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé at Algiers (Chapin)
937. For Reinhardt. The chronology of events leading up to the Italian announcement of an exchange of diplomatic representatives [Page 1084] with the Soviet Union is not clear to us. You reported in your 822, March 13, 5 p.m., that “Bogomolov has just called to inform me officially that his Government has reached an agreement with the Badoglio Government”. March 13 was Monday. In your 847, March 15, 8 p.m., you say, “He (Bogomplov) then proceeded to expound the same explanation he had given to Macmillan and me when he called on us on Saturday last, (reported in my 822, March 13, 5 p.m.).” “Saturday last” was March 11.
In your 826, March 14, 1 p.m., you report that the Italian Government will issue its official communiqué concerning the establishment of direct relations with the Soviet Union on March 14. However, the press in this country reported that the Italian Government made the announcement on the evening of March 13. This point is of interest to ascertain if Bogomolov notified you officially of his Government’s action before, simultaneously or after the day of the official Italian announcement.