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trucks. Doubtless the larger number would be needed if an attempt were   
made promptly to set in motion the facilities that would assist in general   
reconstruction and restore some semblance of normal traffic conditions but   
I think from the statements made 500 trucks would care for the particular   
emergencies described so that no unpleasant reaction would follow because   
of lack of housing or food in this critical area during the coming winter.   
The truck situation is rendered increasingly difficult as stated by the   
Prime Minister because not only did the Germans take away with them many   
Italian trucks and many transport vehicles but the Allied Armies in turn   
took practically all that were left. If from this number 500 could be   
restored to the Government for the purposes indicated or if used trucks   
from the Army not suitable for the most effective requirements in the   
field of operations in the number of 500 were released to the Italian   
Government it would meet the request so frankly made by the Prime Minister   
and show a cooperative spirit that would be not only justified but   
unusually productive of good will. It would also be an effort to support   
this government without which popular reaction may further endanger its   
permanency. My own impulse would be that America should make a gift to   
the Italian Government of this item of 500 trucks and I am confident that   
if the problem were submitted to American Relief for Italy and it were   
permitted to raise the funds and donate the 800 trucks funds would be for   
thcoming without delay. I have no doubt the Italian community in America   
would quickly underwrite the cost so that prompt action might be taken.   
This presents an immediate, essential and a modest operation in aid of the   
reconstruction of Italy which should be accomplished without the delays   
consequent upon passing through a large number of bureaus and committees and to that extent at least I support ti%e Prime Minister's statement that upon agreed projects there was too much delay due %o what might be called cumbersome committee action. I asked the Prime ~Jinister if the  
Italian Government would support this construction program and if so to   
what extent and he promptly replied that the Government would with an   
         initial appropriation of a milliard lire.          
 
                                                            
 
 
 The Prime Minister accentuated the importance of promptly building   
the barracks described above in the Casino section to house that and other   
similar populations in that area, but Cassino particularly was one that he  
                       felt should...