-5-                             
 
      problems and to be c onstructively cooperative.       
 
The Prime Minister gave me the impression of being vigorous, mentally very   
alert, composed, readily willing and able to answer all questions, and to   
have a firm grasp of the problems which surround him. He conducted himself   
with simplicity and unusual intelligence and frankness. My first   
           impression was entirely satisfactory.            
 
                                                            
 
 
 The Prime Minister consented to become Chairman, ex officio, of   
Italian Red Cross and seemed pleased with the opportunity and the   
prospect, of reorganizing Italian Red Cross. He nominated Mr. Zaniboni,   
High Commissioner far War Refugees, Professor Doctor Giovanni Canaperia,   
General Medical Inspector and Chief Director of Ministry of Interior and   
Doctor Emilio Tamberlini, Chief of Medical Section of Ministry of   
Interior, the Italian Government members of the Central Committee proposed   
                     in my number 124.                      
 
                                                            
 
 
The Italian Red Cross has likewise named Professor Umberto   
Zanotti, President of Italian Red Cross, Marchese Theedoll, Executive   
Director of Italian Red Cross, and Professor Doctor Zapponi as its   
         representatives on the Central Cornmittee.         
 
                                                            
 
 
The Vatican has named the following: Mons. Walter Carroll, Mons.   
      Baldelli, and one other member yet to be chosen.      
 
                                                            
 
 
I have not yet adjusted the representation, if any, with the   
Confederation of Labor. There exists in some quarters a fear of conflict   
between the so-called Communist Party and the other parties which might   
impair the work of the Central Committee. I believe we can adjust the   
                  situation ina few days.                   
 
                                                            
 
 
 Others from his Cabinet whom he had with him at luncheon were   
Marchese Giovanni Visconti-Venosta, Under Secretary of  
State who, by the way, is an old acquaintance of ours, Marchese Carlo   
Bassano, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and at my request,   
                    Mr. Harold Tittmann.                    
 
                  Rome, September 5, 1944.                  
 
                      Myron C. Taylor