Office of the Historian

740.0011 European War 1939/30711: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State

Bern, August 17, 1943—noon.
[Received 12:38 p.m.]

5012. This is Tittmann’s 153, August 12. My 145, August 8.64

1.
Chief pre-occupation Badoglio Government remains German menace to occupy country and to gain control of Government very probably by recalling Fascists to power. I have heard it stated authoritatively that Germans are in fact seeking pretext to carry out their threat and that should Italians for instance attempt surrender Allies, Germans would undoubtedly take over within 2 hours after learning of attempt.
2.
Another excuse which Germans would in all probability seize upon is outbreak internal disorder and this Badoglio Government dreads and is endeavoring avoid at all costs. It is stated in general leaders moderate political parties aware situation and are cooperating with Government in effort to maintain order but attitude Communists uncertain. According to reliable source investigation made by Ministry of Interior after fall Fascist regime revealed Communists in Italy are well organized, not without financial resources, and even to some extent armed. The present situation would appear to be that popular feeling is under control but that any agitation would be dangerous.
3.
Am reliably informed that Badoglio Government is of opinion indiscriminate bombings by Allies such as Naples August 4, Genoa, Turin and Milan August 7, will if continued have a disturbing effect upon masses with grave risk inciting them to public protests and demonstrations. If such disorders should take place Germans would be presented with pretext for which they are looking and result would be German occupation of country and return of Fascist regime or worse. Government circles are urging very strongly that Allied [Page 353] bombings be confined to military objectives only with least possible derangement of civilian population especially poorer classes. I myself believe that Badoglio Government is sincere when it solemnly warns of this danger but I have too few elements available on which to base independent judgment.
4.
I am told that Rome is at present surrounded by both German and Italian armed forces. German forces form outer ring and Italians inner, latter apparently drawn up to protect capital in case Germans should attempt move in.

Tension continues. [Tittmann.]

Harrison
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