865.50/1–2645

The Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs (De Gasperi) to the American Ambassador in Italy (Kirk)33

[Translation]

Dear Ambassador: I draw your close attention to the enclosed Memorandum34 which intends to show the urgency and necessity of [Page 1221] a revision of the economic and financial clauses of the Convention of Armistice.35

While warmly begging you to submit it to the consideration of your Government, I take the liberty of pointing out to you once again that an intervention of the United Nations directed to the implementing of a practical program of economic recovery of Italy cannot be further delayed.

From the data, contained in the Memorandum, you will readily realize all the gravity of the present economic and financial situation which threatens to plunge Italy into a crisis of unprecedented magnitude and duration.

I am furthering a copy of this Memorandum to Admiral Stone36 at the Allied Commission and I fully trust, as always, in your friendly and authoritative support for a speedy and favourable examination of the Italian requests.

Believe me, cordially yours,

[
De Gasperi
]
  1. Copy transmitted to the Department in despatch 858, January 26, from Rome, p. 1228.
  2. Not printed, but for summary, see despatch 858, January 26, p. 1228.
  3. For texts of Italian Military Armistice, September 3, 1943, and the Instrument of Surrender, September 29, 1943, see Treaties and Other International Acts Series No. 1604, or 61 Stat. (pt. 3) 2740 and 2742.
  4. Adm. Ellery W. Stone, Chief Commissioner, Allied Commission, Rome.