740.00119 EW/6–1546: Telegram

The Chargé in Italy (Key) to the Secretary of State

secret

2921. On behalf of General Lee,45 Admiral Stone46 delivered US draft civil affairs agreement to Prime Minister last evening (see Dept’s 1241 June 1047). Prime Minister told that inasmuch as document was classified secret he could give no publicity to its contents but that there was no objection of Italian Government’s announcing receipt of agreement.48

Most morning papers report Stone saw De Gasperi last evening but do not indicate purpose of his call.

Stone has furnished US and British Embassies with copies draft agreement.

Sent Dept 2921, repeated Caserta 862, Paris 339.

Key
  1. Lt. Gen. John C. H. Lee, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater, and United States Commanding General, Mediterranean Theater of Operations.
  2. Rear Adm. Ellery W. Stone, U.S.N.R., Deputy President and Chief Commissioner, Allied Commission (for Italy).
  3. Not printed; this telegram notified Rome that the draft had been completed and should go forward to General Lee that week (740.00119 EW/5–2246).
  4. In telegram 647, July 13, 1946, from Caserta, Mr. Byington explained that the Italian Government wished to hold up publication of the text of the modified armistice regime until the two civil affairs agreements, respectively with the United States and with Great Britain, were concluded so that the three documents would be published together (740.00119 EW/7–1346).