865.24/6–2347
The Secretary of War (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: In his 1021 of 2 May,1 Ambassador Dunn states his view concerning 70 medium tanks and 50 105 howitzers which the War Department proposed to be shipped from Italy to the United States since they are needed in connection with War Department programs. General Lee, in messages furnished to the State Department, has recommended that these items of equipment be turned over to the Italian Army.
As to medium tanks, the War Department is querying General Lee since information now available indicates that considerably less [Page 928] than 70 are required to equip the Italian Army to the number authorized by the peace treaty. Medium tanks of the type of the 70 under consideration are an item of particularly short supply in War Department programs.
There are in the Suez area in British possession over 200 lend-lease medium tanks of a type which the War Department does not intend to retain in its programs. These tanks are available for recapture or re-transfer in connection with foreign assistance programs. Hence, I suggest that in the matter of any additional medium tanks for the Italian Army the State Department take action with the British to utilize those in British possession now in the Suez area.
As to the matter of the 50 105 howitzers, these are in less short supply than the medium tanks. Howitzers are available to fill requirements for the Regular Army, the National Guard and the Organized Reserves, all the programs at present authorized by law. There are inadequate howitzers available for the contemplated needs of Universal Military Training, the Western Hemisphere Defense program and perhaps for the authorized Turkish aid program.
The requirements for this latter program are not available since determination awaits return of the survey group now in Turkey.
From a narrowly military standpoint, the proper action for the War Department is to return the 50 105 howitzers to the U.S. It is apparent that the national interest involved in this matter transcends narrowly military factors and involves international political factors which are the primary responsibility of the State Department.
Your views on the matter set forth in this letter are requested.
Due to the possible early ratification of the Italian Peace Treaty, there is an urgency involved in the problem set forth which requires its resolution by the end of this month. In case the State Department believes that the situation warrants serious consideration of transfer of any of the equipment mentioned above to the Italians, it is requested that the legal and financial considerations involved be taken into account in any action proposed.
Sincerely yours,