Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-05-31
War Toda,
Italy Seeks Way
To Throw Herself
On Mercy Of u. S.
By KINGSBURY SMITH

International Nevs service Washington
Correspondent
There is a strong belief in
highly authoritative diplomatic
quarters in Washington today
that Italy is now definitely
striving 10 find some formula
for Withdrawing gracefully from
the war
II would cause no surprise m
responsible diplomatic circles If
Italy. through indirect channels.
already has animated its willing
ness 10 surrender 10 the United
States alone.
However, there is good reason
20 believe this government Is
standing pat on its policy OF &C.
cepting nothing less than the
unconditional surrender of Italy
10 the United Nations as a
whole.
II has been made clear 10 Italy
through a number Of channels
that this is the only basis on
which the American government
is prepared 10 authorize any of
its representatives TO discuss
peace with parties representing
italian interests.
IT APPEARS that Italians in
terested in seeing their country
withdraw from the war as soon
as possible believe Italy would
receive much better treatment,
and would, at least, be fed, II 1t
was able 10. surrender 10 the
United States alone.
The Italians apparently rear
that If they surrender 10 the
United Nations as a whole they
are likely 10 be roughly treated.
Rome has no illusions about
the likelihood Of Moscow being
disposed 10 forgive and forget
the part played by Italian troops
on the Russian front.
Nor is il thought that Rome
expects Great Britain TO forget
Premier Benito Mussolini's re-
quest TO Adolf Hitler for the
'privilege" OF letting Italian
aviators participate in the air
raids on the British Isles dur
ing that country's hour OF peril
In 1910.
THE ITALIANS undoubtedly
can forsee France. Greece and
Yugoslavia lining up with Rus
STA and Great Britain at
United Nations council table 10
oppose any undue leniency 10
Italy in the discussions OF final
peace terms.
italy also is believed to be
fearful that Great Britain, es-
pecially, will insist on the dis
solution Of most of the Italian
African empire.
For these reasons. IL is con-
sidered understandable why
italy should want 10 throw it
self on the mercy of the United
States alone. Rome might well
think that the large body OF
Italian Americans in this coun-
try could exert some influence
In urging a policy of leniency
toward nation for which
America had a traditional feel
ing of friendship until the out
break of World War II.
THE POSITION Of the Amer
lean government, however. is
that il cannot make any sepa-
rate peace deal with Italy.
Under the terms of the United
Nations pact of Jan. 2, 1912. the
United States is pledged TO
make mo separate armistice IT
peace with the enemies.
Therefore, Italy is being told
that its only hope lies in quick,
unconditional surrender before
its cities are wiped out by the
American and British air forces.
II is being made clear 10 Italy
that the sooner il surrenders,
the more support il can expect
from the American and British
governments in connection with
the leniency Of the final peace
terms.
The Vatican is believed 10 be
taking an active part in the
italian efforts 10 find some
solution for that unhappy coun-
try's plight II rs considered
only natural that Pope Plus XII
would not want 10 see Italy's
historic cities, and especially
Rome-the Cradle of Chris
MANIPULATED away by the
forces Of an Allied cause with
which the synpathies Of the
Vatican undoubtedly lie.