865.7962/5–1945: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Italy (Kirk)
861. Your 1353, May 19. As previously indicated this Govt is anxious to obtain landing rights in Italy for its civil air services at earliest opportunity. However, the Italian suggestion of an air convention implies that Italy desires to reestablish air services of its own, and might even request reciprocal landing rights in US. This raises previous question whether Italy shall be allowed any aviation activity of its own, and Dept is now endeavoring to obtain clarification of this policy. British also have requested our views on latter subject in connection with proposed Italian peace treaty terms.
Do you think it possible to negotiate aviation agreement with Italy now, giving us landing rights without committing ourselves on re-establishment of air services by Italy? Please telegraph comments, as general subject now receiving active consideration.