365.1115/1–2948: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State
urgent
383. Situation such that Embassy does not preclude possibility that Communists may possibly endeavor overthrow present government by force. Critical period seen as that just prior to or just subsequent to forthcoming elections. Should such coup be attempted civil war would inevitably result with consequent serious danger to American lives and property.
Embassy currently engaged in drawing up plans for protection and possible evacuation of Americans on assumption that violence, if it breaks out, will break out first in northern cities and that Rome and southern areas will remain, temporarily at least, comparatively safe with refugees streaming into Rome from northern provinces. Plans envisage necessity that financial assistance against promissory notes will have to be afforded American citizens for temporary quarters, food and transportation to US or to such intermediate point as may later be decided upon.
In order to be in position to act quickly and effectively should necessity arise, Embassy requests that it be given by telegraph an emergency allotment of $100,000 and that consideration be given now to fact that, should outbreak occur, additional funds would in all probability be required.1
- The Department’s telegram 264 of January 30, not printed, granted a supplementary emergency allotment for $100,000 for possible loans to American citizens (365.1115/1–2948).↩