865.50/10–1545: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 16—2:44 p.m.]
3096. Prior to receipt of your telegram 1824 Oct 12, 6 p.m. Minister of Industry and Commerce, Gronchi, had already invited US and UK Embassies and AC (Allied Commission) to a meeting tomorrow to discuss earliest possible return of private export trading. Receipt your message therefore most timely.
Embassy wishes emphasize that so far as it is aware Italian Govt has taken initiative to resume private trading and it may be useful to point this out when public announcements are made later. Storoni, Undersecretary Commerce, was under impression that AC and Allied Govts wished continuation of ICE (Istituto Commercio Estero) as intermediary in export trade but at suggestion of Embassy Italian Govt requested clarification from AC and in letter dated Oct 9, to Prime Minister AC stated that July 31, directive terminating AC export activities leaves Italian Govt free to conduct export trade through private channels if it wishes. Storoni has been most anxious resume private trading without ICE at earliest possible moment.
Italian Govt will be informed along lines of your telegram 1824 and developments promptly reported.