740.00119 Control (Italy)/10–2045: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 22—2:10 p.m.]
3179. See my 2572, September 4. Chief Commissioner of AC (Allied Commission) cabled Allied Force Headquarters yesterday on subject of turnover of northern provinces to Italian administration asking again that CCS (Combined Chiefs of Staff) take decision on this matter since AMG (American Military Government) administration is rapidly losing momentum due to redeployment and to delay [Page 1071] in carrying out intention of handing area back which is well known to Italians. According to Chief Commissioner, staff organization of northern regions had left them virtually unaffected until late September but continuance of AMG (American Military Government) beyond that date has made it almost impossible for regional commissioners to continue while Italian population cannot be expected to remain unaffected under administration which they rightly think should have been handed over to them 6 weeks ago. Italian press is characterized as becoming suspicious and as discovering all sorts of sinister Allied intentions in failure to turn over regions while govt is reportedly becoming embarrassed. Increasingly tense situation in north reportedly can be dealt with although conditions are becoming more difficult for AMG officers who are particularly distressed over situation. Finally Allied prestige and confidence in Allied intentions are reported to have suffered considerably.
Chief Commissioner expresses hope CCS is not relating question of turnover either to future of AC or to publication of armistice terms since these are separate problems which can be handled later and are less important to Italians than maintenance of promise to them to permit self govt when Allied military interests and development of Italian Govt permit conditions which have been fulfilled since September 15. In closing he states question of status of Bolzano also should not permit delay and asks reply to previous message (see my 2572). Lastly Chief Commissioner states implementation of Fan 48790 is difficult because of delay in handing over territory.
Sent Dept repeated Caserta 851.