865.50/9–2745: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Italy (Kirk)
1692. Following is text of note on billing for civilian relief supplies which you should present to the Italian Government. Brit will present identic notes in Rome on own behalf and on behalf of Canadians. Simultaneous presentation desired on date you determine in consultation with Brit Ambassador.
“In the course of military operations on the European continent, the combined armies of the allies have imported into Europe certain basic supplies for the civilian population of the countries which have been liberated from German domination. These supplies for civilian use have been procured by the Governments of the United States, of the United Kingdom, and of Canada, and have reached the people in [Page 1289] the liberated countries through or for the account of their governments. The supplying governments expect that the governments of the recipient countries will pay the costs of such civilian supplies, including in the case of Italy, all such supplies delivered since July 10, 1943.
Bills will be presented to your government by the Supreme Allied Commander through whom civilian supplies are furnished. While as a matter of convenience, these bills will be presented in terms of United States dollars, your government will be asked to pay in currencies acceptable to the supplying governments.
The supplying governments expect the Government of Italy to make payment of each bill rendered to it for civilian supplies furnished to Italy on the basis that the amount of each bill is final for the quantities of civilian supplies covered thereby. The amounts due will be based on quantitative records of the supplies furnished to Italy and on landed costs of the commodities delivered in Italy, as maintained and computed by the combined military authorities. Prices will be calculated as to cover all costs of these commodities to the supplying governments, including transportation to the point where these supplies reach Italy. Should any costs be incurred by the military authorities beyond that point, such as cost of inland transport, separate billings will be made to the Italian Government in order to cover such additional expenses incurred for the account of Italy.
At the time of the first billing by the combined allied military authorities, your government will be advised as to the procedures to be followed in making payments.
It is understood that the British and Canadian Governments are addressing similar communications to your government.”
In view of Italy’s present inability to make payments you should inform the Italian Govt verbally at time of presentation of note that U.S. Govt does not intend to press Italian Govt for payment but U.S. Govt will expect claim to be taken up in connection with peace treaty.
Sent to Rome; repeated to London for Reinstein.