740.00119 Control (Italy)/10–545: Telegram

The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

2960. With reference to the turn back of north Italy to Italian jurisdiction it is assumed that Dept has seen Naf 1069, Naf 1071 and Naf 1073 from SAC (Supreme Allied Commander) to COS (Combined Chiefs of Staff). No reply has been received from the latter although [Page 1060] it was recommended that the handover date be Sept 30. Deputy Executive Commissioner of AC (Allied Commission) has telegraphed Admiral Stone from Milan that personnel situation AMG (Allied Military Govt) north Italy is so acute that AC (Allied Commission) should ask AFHQ for immediate authorization to transfer all north Italy except border provinces to Italian Govt. He reports “We are doing Italians no good and ourselves much harm by continuing”.

Dept is of course aware of harmful political effect here resulting from failure even to announce date of AMG (Allied Military Govt) withdrawal north Italy.

Kirk