865.248/2–2647
The Secretary of War (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: The question of modernization of the Italian Air Force, considered in SWNCC 320/5,1 has become precarious due to the lack of determination as to whether the U.S. or the British shall have the responsibility. The difficulty hinges on ever-decreasing capabilities. It is now apparent that, if the U.S. is to be responsible for equipping the combat element of the Italian Air Force, the determination will have to be made now, or the capability for implementation will no longer exist.
The War Department considers that this matter should be resolved as soon as possible. The earmarking of the equipment has had a disturbing effect on routine operations as well as other considered assistance programs. It appears that we might be seriously embarrassed in many ways if a determination be made that the United States furnish [Page 870] the equipment and we find ourselves unable to implement the program.2
Sincerely yours,
- Dated December 12, 1946, not printed; it was an enclosure in a memorandum for the Secretary of State, SWN–5083, January 22, 1947, not printed (865.248/1–2247).↩
- Secretary Marshall’s letter of March 3, 1947, not printed, acknowledged Secretary Patterson’s letter and explained that a reply from the British was being studied by the State and War Departments (805.248/2–2647).↩