Memorandum from Acting Secretary of State Joseph Grew to President Harry S. Truman

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON May 1, 1945 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Italian Participation in the War against Japan. In March the Italian Ambassador asked President Roosevelt and the Secretary of State what would be the attitude of this Government toward an Italian declaration of war upon Japan. In arriving at a decision on this question the Department sought the views of the War and Navy Departments through the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee. The views of the State, War and Navy Depart- ments, as well as those of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, may be summarized as follows: From the political point of view, the partici- pation of Italy in the war against Japan along with the United States would further identify Italy with the United Nations and the victorious powers. The prestige of the present Italian Government would thus be strengthened and increased support for it acquired in Italy at a time when the North of Italy is being liberated and when the Government in Rome will require the greatest possible stability. Italy is trying to "work her passage" back to a respectable place in the family of nations. It has been given an opportunity to do this through its contribution to the war against Germany. Participation in the war in the Far East after the defeat of Germany will give the Italian Government and people an increased and prolonged opportunity to contribute to the common war aims of the United Nations and to increase Italy's chances for an early and more secure place among them. ARC the From SERVICE"