740.00119 EW/10–1345: Telegram
The Secretary of State to Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, Political Adviser to the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater, at Caserta
894. Your 3868, Oct. 13. There is considerable pressure here for publication. However Dept would not want to publish if Ital Govt should feel this inadvisable. Formal revision of surrender instrument may be rendered difficult both by Brit military views and Soviet position. Pending receipt by CCS of AFHQ views Dept is tentatively considering possibility of public declaration somewhat along lines of statement last February on revised AC directives that rights under certain specified articles will be held in abeyance. Your and Rome’s comments will be helpful.