740.00119 Control (Italy)/3–1047: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Dunn ) to the Secretary of State
509. F 75419 dated March 9 from ComGenMed to War Department1 transmits new proposed text of detailed agreement to provide necessary facilities for withdrawal of US Forces during 90 day period after R Day (see Embassy’s 480, March 62). General Lee proposes that this agreement might best be effected by exchange of notes between US and Italian Governments. I have informed him that I have no objection to undertaking necessary negotiations should Department so direct me.
Department will note that under paragraph 12 of proposed text it is contemplated that Italian Government will continue to make available all facilities requested by US Forces during 90 days on same basis as in part [past?]. Our and British preliminary conversations with Italians indicate that we may be able to reach an agreement of this sort with Italian Government without too much difficulty. It is my personal opinion that we should endeavor to do so. (Reference Department’s 281, February 27.3) US military authorities make a very good point when they say that not only do they not have appropriated funds to pay for facilities that they now receive gratis, but also if funds were appropriated they have not necessary personnel to revise their account procedures at this late date. The only remaining solution would be appropriation of a lump sum to be handed over to the Italian Government for dispersal to claimants and it is open to question whether this would be desirable or practical.
- Not printed.↩
- Not printed; in it Dunn reported that the British had submitted to the Italians a draft agreement which Dunn had discussed with General Lee who considered it a suitable basis for a U.S. draft agreement (841.2365/3–747).↩
- Not printed; it reviewed the problem and suggested further informal discussions with the Italians (811.2365/2–2447).↩