865.24/4–648: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State
1558. For Hickerson and Dowling. Reference mytel 1347, March 26, WARX 989571 for Stilwell is most gratifying here. It is planned to bring material in question into Italy as soon as material will have traversed Germany.
After fully considering risks involved government determined to accept trial shipments on tentative basis. Daily shipments started arriving from Germany on 3 April with no repercussions. These have [Page 790] even included small number of tanks (OFLC purchases) and considerable quantities of that portion 10 million dollar program located Germany. Naval shipments are planned to be transferred as Department knows at Pozzuoli April 14 to 17.
These current arrivals and those expected represent an immensely valuable contribution to strengthening hand of the government in meeting the situation now and that which may occur after April 18. Both Prime Minister and General Trezzani are greatly appreciative of US Government having acquiesced in manner of shipment and prompt action now taken. Department of Army being kept currently informed of shipments as forwarded.
- This message, sent April 5, 1948, from the Plans and Operations Division, General Staff, U.S. Army, not printed, informed the Military Adviser, Lt. Col. Richard G. Stilwell, and Hq. EuCom that the army transport Francis X. McGraw had cleared New York April 3, was due in Bremerhaven April 14, and had on board all of the equipment from the Zone of the Interior except 67 light tanks, 37 gun mounts, and some spare parts which would follow by separate shipments. It urged that Stilwell be at Bremerhaven to assist coordination of movement in EuCom.↩