Rome, Italy, March 16, 1945.  
 
 
Dear Field Marshal Alexander:  
 
 
In the interest of the National Committee for the Distribution of Relief   
in Italy (ENDSI) and the Italian Red Cross, one of its components,   
supported as they are by American Relief for Italy, Inc., and other   
benefactors, I would like at this early moment to bring to your attention   
the thought that upon the cessation of hostilities in Italy ther will   
undoubtedly be large stocks of materials and supplies of all sorts, and I   
bespeak in their interest the first opportunity of acquiring adequate   
quantities of the same which would be of great benefit to the welfare of   
the nation and to the promotion of its reconstruction.  
 
 
As you are aware, the National Committee for the Distribution of Relief   
in Italy comprises the activites of the National Government, the Vatican,   
the Italian Red Cross and the Italian General Condeferation of Labor.  I   
am sure your are already acquainted with the success of its activites.    
There is probably no other civilian meduim through which the distribution   
of a large quantity of materials and supplies can be as effectively   
accomplished as through this organization.  
 
 
There is of course, apart from the need for the usual materials and   
supplies, a great need for vehicles of all sorts, including passenger   
cars, trucks an dreplacements for both Italian and foreign made vehicles.    
Obviously, the regeneration of rail transportation in Italy is a matter   
which will extend over a considerable period of time and in the interim   
nothing can so helpfully bring about greater self-help and suficiency in   
Italy than a sizeable distribution of transportation equipment which must   
necessarily follow the end of the war in this country.  
 
 
I am basing this statement on the assumption that used equipment will not   
be to any great exent transported elsewhere, nor should it be, in the light   
of the necessitous destruction that has followed the use of   
 
 
Field Marshal Sir Harold R. L. G. Alexander
 
Supreme Allied Commander in Chief 
 
Caserta.