740.0011 EW/5–1745: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:45 p.m.]
2712. For Matthews17 from Murphy.18 On May 15 General Eisenhower cabled General Marshall19 personally that he is quite sure that until agreement has been reached on eventual occupation zones the French will not retire voluntarily from front line positions in Italy. General Eisenhower mentions that Devers20 issued orders for a retirement to the Italian frontier but to no avail. General Eisenhower further [Page 729] states that the principle which de Gaulle is applying in this instance is incidentally similar to that embodied in instructions from the CCS20a regarding our dealings with the Russians namely that all troops retain the ground won during operational phase until various matters are mutually and finally agreed upon.
I suggest you also see signal SCAF 393 to Agwar from SHAEF forward. [Murphy.]
- H. Freeman Matthews, Director, Office of European Affairs.↩
- Robert D. Murphy, United States Political Adviser for Germany, Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force.↩
- Gen. George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff, United States Army.↩
- Gen. Jacob L. Devers, U.S.A., Commanding General, Sixth Army Group, Allied Expeditionary Force.↩
- Combined Chiefs of Staff.↩