740.00119 EW/6–2546
The Italian Ambassador (Tarchiani) to the Acting Secretary of State
The Italian Ambassador presents his compliments to the Honorable the Acting Secretary of State and has the honor to draw his most serious attention to the following matter.
With reference to the reports from Paris that the Four Ministers have decided to postpone for one year the final disposition of the [Page 629] Italian territories in Africa and to defer to an appropriate Experts Committee the study of a formula to be included in the treaty, the Italian Government has forwarded a letter to the Four Ministers to establish the following points:
- 1.
- The Italian Government cannot accept any clause implying unconditional renunciation of its sovereignty.
- 2.
- Italy must participate in the temporary administration of those territories with normal powers pertaining to a sovereign state in territories under war occupation, according to the laws of war.
- 3.
- Italy makes every reservation for the fact that she has not been consulted and makes a formal request to be heard.
The Italian Government is certain that the United States will fully appreciate the reasons of vital national interest which justify the aforesaid stand, and the motives which prompt the Italian request to be heard, according to the formal assurances received in this connection.
The Italian Ambassador would therefore be very grateful for the action that will be taken by the United States Government in this regard.