power outweighs constructive action toward rehabilitation of the country. VIII With such a restricted field from which to select a cabinet the situation has been demonstrated to be difficult. The result has been uncertainty and weakness. Another element breeding weakness is the controls exercised by A. C. and AFHQ and I assume a certain restraint because of the existence of the Committee of National Liberation, which undertakes to compete with the House of Savoy in vital matters such as choosing a Prime Minister and a cabinet. In the recent difficulty the Monarchy retained this prerogative though the Committee insisted these powers had been reserved to it. For any administrative body to function surance is of course impossible under these conflicting cond IX Looking at the future one may therefore ask? A) To what extent in reality can it be expected that new and stronger influences will be available upon the release of northern Italy? (It seems to me careful survey based on past records now available of the men who might add strength to the government should be undertaken?) B) At the monent of release of northern Italy, will the Allied controls be relaxed? This involves the question to what extent do the Allies intend to assist Italy in reconstruction and rehabilitaion. Such assistance involves credit and foreign exchang, giving Italy the means to provide raw and finished material to reconstruct the destroed utilities and to operate its essential industries. C) When such controls are relaxed will the issue of Monarchy vs. Communism press for decision? and if so , will it be tried in an election? under whose auspices? and under what conditions? 1. The best authorities I have encountered indicate that: a. Elections should start on the communal level at reasonably early date but not before a year after the country is fred and the people ven an opportunity to become reasonably normal psychological b. After communal elections a reasonable interval should elapse before elections on a provincial level are held. |