Office of the Historian

840.48 Refugees/8–2746: Telegram

The Chargé in Italy (Key) to the Secretary of State

secret
us urgent
Rome, August 27, 1946—4 p.m.
[Received August 27—3:07 p.m.]

3623. ReEmbtel 3621, dated August 27. Upon receiving Italian Govt’s Pro Memoria denying entry request 25,000 Jewish refugees Embassy informed Foreign Minister1 that reply would be forwarded to Dept, but that it was desired to point out almost certain misconception embodied in Minister’s explanation that refugees cared by UNRRA would to all practical purposes be a burden on Italian population (see points 2 and 3 of Embtel cited) which is believed to be basic reason for Italian Govt’s refusal. On basis of Dept’s instructions contained in Deptel 1610, August 14, Embassy does not believe Dept meant that funds or food for 25,000 refugees would be subtracted from supplies for Italian population because of UNRRA Italy having to care for them out of its present allotments. Foreign Minister agreed to give further consideration to proposal in light of this clarification. Accordingly, Embassy would appreciate urgent confirmation of its interpretation of Dept’s instructions.2

Embassy has learned indirectly but authoritatively that at least one high ranking local UNRRA official has voiced personal belief that Italian Govt would reject American request for reason mentioned above.

Since UNRRA Italy has not yet been notified or consulted by UNRRA headquarters on this subject or any aspect of it, and was dependent entirely on local press for its information, it is understandable that misconceptions should arise.

Repeated London 545, Vienna 68, Moscow 173.

Key
  1. Alcide de Gasperi.↩
  2. Department telegram 1681, August 29, to Rome, reads as follows: “Your interpretation Dept’s instructions re maintenance Jewish refugees correct.” (840.48 Refugees/8–2746)↩