740.0011 EW/5–1745: Telegram
Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, United States Political Adviser to the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater, to the Secretary of State 21
[Received May 17—9:40 p.m.]
2213. Situation on Franco Italian border still reported by G–222 as very serious with French continuing to infiltrate troops and others (re our 2187 of May 15 midnite23) under military cover who change to civilian clothes and parade as Italians favoring French annexation. French claim 30,000 in valley have declared for autonomy for valley and move is regarded by most persons as method adopted by French to avoid criticism and still convert population to favor France.
French publishing clandestine newspaper in Aosta called Le Libre Val d’Aosta designated as organ of local Committee of Liberation, a non-existent organization but similar enough to be confused with NCL24 for Aosta.
Prefect for Aosta has complained to French General Mell about infiltration of French in valley and was told these people were not French but Italians who wished to be annexed to France.
In Cavanese District there are still armed Germans waiting to be sent to concentration areas, stealing from local population and forcing them from their homes. Fascist bands still roaming hills terrorizing farmers. Local Italian Government of city of Aosta has resigned in protest against French interference.
French apparently desperately trying to convey to population that it is Allies’ intention that population of border valley should vote to join the French.
Sent Department; repeated Paris as 126.