865.50/10–2945
The Department of State to the British Embassy
Memorandum
Reference is made to the Aide-Mémoire prepared by the British Embassy dated September 18, 1945, concerning the possible termination of the responsibilities of the Economic Section of the Allied Commission in Italy.
The United States Government considers that the responsibilities of the Allied Commission with respect to civilian supply problems should terminate at such time as UNRRA assumes responsibility for the importation into Italy of basic supplies. Pending such assumption of responsibility it is believed that the Allied Commission should continue to perform such functions with respect to the interim supply program as have heretofore been agreed under the procedures of the Combined Liberated Areas Committee.
The United States Government considers that the other economic functions now performed by the Allied Commission should either be terminated or assumed by the British and American Embassies in Rome. It would seem convenient for the transfer or termination of these Allied Commission economic functions to take place at the same time as the transfer of supply functions to UNRRA. The creation of formal coordinating machinery among the embassies, the military authorities and UNRRA does not, in the view of the United States Government, seem necessary. It is believed that the interested parties through informal liaison can coordinate their activities and exchange information of mutual interest. The United States Government is prepared to join in notifying UNRRA, SACMED, and the embassies of the proposed arrangements so that plans can be made for the [Page 1299] transfer or termination of functions and the transfer, release or recruitment of appropriate personnel.