740.00119 European War 1939/4–2945: Telegram

The Ambassador in Italy ( Kirk ) to the Secretary of State

1075. My British colleague93 tells me that he understands that the matter of some peace arrangement with Italy is being actively considered in London and that he is asking to be acquainted with the terms thereof before they are submitted to the United States Government (see my 876, April 4, noon94 and previous).

From what Charles said I gathered that these proposals might contain territorial conditions affecting Italy. To my mind the injection of such consideration would be inconsistent with the intent merely to establish at this time some arrangement affecting Italy more conducive to its internal recuperation and to its usefulness in the international field than the present armistice regime; the determination of territorial questions can be postponed until world conditions are such that final and comprehensive international settlements are possible.

Kirk
  1. Sir Noel Charles, British Ambassador in Italy.
  2. Not printed.