PW 865.24/7–847: Telegram
The Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater (Morgan) to the Combined Chiefs of Staff
FX 75414. Naf 1292. 1. In view of possibly imminent ratification of peace treaty with Italy1 I forward this review of the situation regarding the equipment of the Italian Army.
2. In accordance with proposals in Naf 11352 we have endeavored to equip Chai [Italy?] as far as has been possible from globally surplus British equipment, a force of 5 combat divisions, 10 independent infantry Brigades and 3 Internal Security Brigades. However, when presently earmarked British globally surplus stocks have been turned over to the Italian Army there will still be a deficiency of the following items which cannot be found from British sources in this theater or B.T.A.:
| (a) Items | (b) Amounts | |
| rifles .303 | 35,000 | |
| light machine guns Brens | 2,300 | |
| 17 pounder anti-tank guns | 25 | |
| 25 pounder guns | 80 | |
| 25 pounder ammunition | 400,000 | rounds |
| 300 Browning ammunition | 5,000,000 | rounds |
3. I appreciate that the equipment of the Italian post treaty Army will not be my responsibility. I consider that I should point out, however, that the pre-treaty Army, which was intended for employment, if [Page 873] necessary, with Allied formations, is lacking in certain essential supporting arms and when Allied Forces withdraw from the country, the Italian Army will be entirely unbalanced with regard to heavy weapons. A certain amount of this equipment is already earmarked and is being held in temporary depots, as authorized in Fan 708. Nevertheless, in order to balance the force referred to in paragraph 2 above, it is considered that the minimum requirements both in addition to those listed above and to the equipment held in temporary depots would be:
| (a) Items | (b) Amounts |
| Piats | 400 |
| 17 pounder anti-tank guns | 40 |
| 25 pounder guns | 150 |
| 40 millimeter anti-aircraft guns | 100 |
| 3.7 anti-aircraft guns | 130 |
| medium artillery (any type) | 50 |
| self propelled anti-tank artillery | 24 |
| medium tanks | 56 |
| light tanks | 200 |
| tanks transporters | 25 |
| 1st and 2nd line ammunition for these items. |
4. It was expected that the 56 medium tanks, 26 of the light tanks and the medium artillery listed in paragraph 3 above, together with certain ammunition, all of which were excess to United States requirements in this theater might be made available for turnover to the Italian Army. However, the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff have agreed that Commanding General Mediterranean should proceed with shipment of the tanks to the United States. Commanding General Mediterranean is reporting to AGWar availability in MTOUSA of surplus and excess equipment and maintenance spares which will include the medium artillery.
5. I consider that the above equipment requirements are the minimum if the Italian Army is to be capable of standing on its own feet when the Allies withdraw. I am informed that no further British globally surplus stocks are available in this theater or BTA and that any further equipment required by the Italians, from the British, must be obtained through their civil import programme.
6. I request to be informed whether any of the foregoing equipment or appropriate substitutes, including maintenance therefor, especially medium or light tanks can be made available without delay from United States sources. I propose, based upon your reply, to inform the Italian Government of the allied position regarding provision of equipment for their Army.