740.00119 Council/9–646: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at the Paris Peace Conference
4660. Secdel 839. For Matthews. When draft message to SACMED in OCD 26 July 1 from Lincoln to Norstad69a re withdrawal from Pola and use of troops in event Yugo attack was proposed to Brit Chiefs by JCS, former demurred, indicating they disapproved use of Poles and Itals. JCS pointed out there was little likelihood of situation arising, but still desirable give SACMED free hand, and Dept explained to Brit Emb our understanding Bevin had read and agreed to draft message.
Brit Chiefs, however, have now proposed modification of draft message, stating FonOff considers political objections to making plans for use of Itals are overriding, and also objects to use of Poles in active operations, both on political grounds and because undesirable to interfere with program for their removal from Italy.70 Re Bevin’s agreement, Brit Emb says vaguely there must have been some misunderstanding. JCS are again proposing to Brit Chiefs that SACMED be authorized to use Itals and Poles, but are suggesting that para D of draft message in OCD 26 be modified to read “including such Poles as remain therein”. Brit Chiefs are referring this proposal to London.
- Ante, p. 905.↩
- Despatch 1505, August 9, 1946, from Caserta, summarized the status of the Polish armed forces in Italy and the plans for their demobilization. According to the summary, 34,000 Polish troops had been transported to the United Kingdom during July, and 71,000 more would be moved by the end of October. (860C.20/8–946)↩