740.00119 EW/1–2546: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received January 25—5:23 p.m.]
236. ReEmb’s 131, Jan. 14.7 Subject revision of Italian armistice regime. Dekanosov has now replied to our second approach in letter dated Jan 24 as follows:
“In reply to your letter of Jan 14, I have been directed to inform you that the point of view of the Soviet Govt outlined in the letter of Jan 3 by no means signifies that the Soviet Govt is negatively disposed in principle to a revision of the armistice regime for Italy. On the contrary it is positively disposed toward measures which in this or that degree might relieve the position of Italy. The Soviet Govt as has already been stated in the above mentioned letter believes that the question of a revision of the armistice terms for Italy at this time has [Page 827] lost pertinence in connection with the forthcoming conclusion of a peace treaty with Italy in the near future.
Nevertheless taking into account the wishes of the American Govt the Soviet Govt is ready to consider those changes in the armistice conditions for Italy which the American Govt has in mind proposing.”
Sent Dept 236, repeated Home 4, Caserta 3, Paris 24, London 44.
- Not printed; in this telegram Kennan reported that he had that day addressed a second letter to Dekanozov (740.00119 EW/1–1446).↩