May 14, 1943
 
 
 
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT:
 
     
 
 
In 0ctober, 1942, I sought in Rome to secure confidential information re individuals and groups   
of Italians who might be of potential value in the transition period from War to Peace. The   
attached statements resulted. In addition I requested some time ago a confidential appraisal of   
personnel of similar character by the Vatican. This has not yet come to hand.
 
     
 
 
The conquest of Africa now completed may have produced some quite definite changes in the   
Italian situation in the respects above referred to as defeat may have inspired individuals or   
groups to appear from retirement.
 
     
 
 
Italy's occupation of parts of Yugoslavia and parts of France remain to be broken but the   
whole peninsula of Italy proper remains to be conquered. An invasion at the "heel" would involve   
a long and bloody march to the Brenner - unless surrender took place en route either through  
negotiation due to national revolt, or by puncturing a vital spot. It may thus be important at an  
appropriate moment for me to keep more conveniently in touch with Italian developments in Lisbon   
and Madrid or perhaps at the Vatican itself. The Axis powers