Secretary of State,
 
Washington.
 
Bern
 
 
Dated August 5, 1943
 
Rec'd 6:46 p.m.
 
4742, August 5, 4 p.m.
 
 
 
Two. General feeling Vatican circles appears to be that German menace to assume political control   
of Italy has become very real and consequently position of Badoglio Government extremely   
difficult.  Possibility that Germans way recall Fascists and even insist upon substitution of a   
Gauleiter of Farinacci type for present government does not seem to be excluded.  Completely   
lacking in aviation and modern armor, Italian armed forces are not considered to be in a   
position effectively to oppose military occupation of Rome.  It is believed there is at present   
time German armored division within 50 miles of capital ready to move in at moment's notice.   
Under circumstances it is felt temporizing tactics or part of Badoglio Government are justifiable   
on grounds that if Germans could be held off long enough some military or other event might   
intervene to ease situation.  Suggestion has again been heard that early Allied landing on