740.00119 Control (Italy)/12–1345: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 13—10:47 a.m.]
4025. Morning papers publish following communiqué from Presidency of Council concerning handback of northern provinces.
“Yesterday Wednesday December 12 Admiral Ellery Stone, Head of AC, met with President of Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs Alcide de Gasperi and informed him that Italian territory that is now under Allied jurisdiction, including islands of Lampedusa, Linosa and Pantelleria but excluding Venezia Giulia and Province of Udine, will be restored to Italian administration at approximately end of December. Communication revealed that Allies are maintaining military administration in Province of Udine only because of military exigencies and not because territory is considered to be in dispute. Officers of Allied Military Govt will be withdrawn from zone to be restored. Only small number of liaison officers of AC remaining there to facilitate passage from Allied to Italian administration. President of Council has acknowledged this act of Allied Governments with great satisfaction and has requested Admiral Stone to inform Supreme Command and Allied Govts of his feelings expressing belief that continued friendly cooperation of Allied authorities in Italy will help Italy overcome grave economic and social difficulties of present moment. It is superfluous to emphasize importance and significance of this initiative of Allies which except for regions indicated replaces under Italian administration entire national territory.”
Sent Department 4025, repeated Caserta 1253.