740.00119 E.W./12–2845: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 29—4:08 p.m.]
4217. I saw De Gasperi this morning and although his remarks revolved around views set forth in aide-mémoire summarized in my 4216, [Page 1102] December 28, it was clear that he felt that US and in lesser plane Great Britain had sacrificed for what they considered larger considerations moral advantage accruing to Italy by virtue of Potsdam declaration which set Italy in foreground as co-belligerent in contrast with other countries which had joined Allies at eleventh hour. He seemed to base this impression on wording of statements made at Moscow but also on reports from Italian Ambassador there to effect that whereas Soviets had at first expressed no objection to revision of armistice terms with Italy, Molotov had subsequently on December 21 manifested to Quaroni attitude less favorable and had argued that Italian problem was so inextricably involved with other questions viz. those relating to Balkans which were of greater importance to Soviet Government that status of Italy could not be determined on its own. De Gasperi then said that declarations from Moscow seemed to place Italy on same basis as other countries which had not separated from Axis as soon as it had and that this was severe shock to Italian people and Government especially at time when it was facing preparations for elections and was confronted with serious economic, financial and political difficulties. I merely told de Gasperi as my personal view that it was unfortunate that he had reached assumptions indicated based solely on wording of communiqués and especially that publicity had been given thereto. (See my immediately following press telegram.)40 I told him what I had gathered from cursory conversations concerning decisions at Moscow (see mytel under reference) and that I had cabled to Department contents of his aide-mémoire with view to eliciting clarification which would place matters in their proper context. He said that he would await eagerly that clarification.
Sent Department 4217 repeated London 396 Moscow 173.
- Not printed.↩