865.01/2192: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 15—1:02 p.m.]
856. In view of the carefully worked out and comprehensive basis for mutual consultation on the Italian situation I cannot regard lightly the action of the Soviet Government in arranging an exchange of representatives with the Badoglio government without prior consultation with us and the British. I feel that the matter should be handled with directness and firmness although it should not be magnified. The Soviets should be made to understand that they have made an error in procedure which if continued will have serious repercussions on over-all collaboration.
As one step to this end I suggest for your consideration that in response to inquiry at your press conference you state for attribution that the United States Government was not consulted in regard to the step which the Soviet Government has taken and that it is a matter of regret to the United States that the Soviet Government did not discuss the matter in advance with this Government.
It would be helpful if I could have advice as to your reaction both to the substance of the action taken as well as to the method.