740.0011 European War 1939/28232: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)

6536. Your 7188, December 18, 4 p.m. Please reply confidentially to Mr. Eden’s letter in the following sense:

We appreciate Mr. Eden’s thoughtfulness in informing us of the recent Italian “peace feelers”. We on the other hand have not received through the Vatican or any other source overtures of a similar nature.

In commenting on the various points raised by Mr. Eden, we are in complete agreement with the British attitude that although lines of communication might well be kept open proposals of this nature should not be pursued with representatives of the Fascist regime such as the diplomatic mission at Lisbon.

Concerning the proposals of the Duke certain of the guarantees raise questions of a purely military character. We understand that Italy may be of doubtful interest strategically to our military leaders. Guarantees to “preserve the monarchy” would require further definition. Obviously we will not oppose the ultimate will of the Italian people in this regard.

The question also arises concerning our position with respect to those various Italian personalities of political and military life who may, now that the position of Italy is becoming more and more untenable, desire to cooperate with the United Nations. Our common policy concerning the extent of our acceptance of Italian officials now willing to come over to our side should be defined. In the case of Italy the question of military expedience may not arise to the same extent that it has in other theaters of war. Before any of the United Nations can pursue negotiations with opposition leaders inside Italy, we feel the determination of our future attitude toward and responsibility for such leaders to be essential.

We would appreciate views of the British Government on this point.

Hull