FW 865.248/3–1247
Memorandum by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Combined Chiefs of Staff 1
Modernization of the Italian Air Force
The United States Chiefs of Staff have considered the latest British proposal for equipping the Italian Air Force submitted by the Foreign Office to the State Department.
The United States Chiefs of Staff recognize the desirability of assisting the Italian Government in attaining the most effective air force practicable within treaty limitations. The advantages of equipping the combat element of the Italian Air Force with a single type of aircraft make it highly desirable that one country have the responsibility for furnishing such equipment. The United States Chiefs of Staff would like to see the British assume full responsibility for the entire program. They have reconsidered their former position on this matter and are prepared to accept the British proposal as submitted by the Foreign Office provided that the British Government will assume full responsibility for this program.
[Page 872]The United States Chiefs of Staff do not consider that 136 fighter aircraft would constitute an adequate force. Therefore, if the British are not in a position to augment the 136 Spitfires presently available in Italy, the United States Chiefs of Staff can undertake to make available to the Italian Government up to a total of 60 P–51 aircraft at nominal cost to supplement the British capability.
It is recognized that an immediate decision on this matter is now mandatory if the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean is to accomplish the modernization of the Italian Air Force prior to the withdrawal of the Anglo-American forces from Italy.
It is requested that advice as to any British requirement for supplementation of their capability be communicated to the United States Chiefs of Staff as soon as practicable.
- This memorandum, bearing the date March 7, was the enclosure to SWN–5217 of March 12, 1947, not printed. (865.248/3–1247).↩