840.20/10–2449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy
2630. NAT Defense Comite left open location Southern Europe-Western Medit regional planning group as Brit proposed London French Paris and Italians Rome. We have regarded question as primarily one for those three Govts but are interested from point view successful operation of Pact machinery and also from viewpoint real Ital interests.
There is no chance Northern or Western groups being anywhere but London. Highest caliber US personnel in this field very limited and will be concentrated Wash and London. If Southern group located elsewhere it will have second string US representation. We recognize importance Italians attach to some prestige gesture but consider their interest in coordination between three regional groups, particularly [Page 346] Western and Southern groups, far more important and meritorious. Real coordination can only be achieved if groups located in same place and probably composed largely same personnel. We foresee little coordination if Southern group located Paris or Rome. We are mindful your reports current anti-Brit feeling in Italy but feel real Italian interests best served by location London and Ital Govt shld handle public presentation accordingly.
Foregoing discussed with Gen Marras on eve his departure. He stated he had personally suggested to Brit and Fr Mil Reps three regional groups be located in London but that additional command org similar to Fontainebleau be estabd in Italy. We advised him no relationship between Pact org and Fontainebleau had yet been considered and currently impossible estimate when Pact org might reach point considering any command org.
In your discretion pls discuss foregoing with Italians. Sent Rome as 2630, rptd London as 3817 and Paris as 4060.