Amgot and Italy
The transfer of territory in southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia from Allied to Italian jurisdiction is the first experiment in the handing back of conquered territory in Europe to a national govern- ment. It is obviously undesirable that the Allies should be burdened With the invidious task of ordering the internal affairs of conquered (or liberated) territories a moment longer than is necessary. Country
immediately in the rear of the Allies' front must clearly be controlled by them, and Amgot exists to relieve the Commander-in-Chief of
the need for giving his personal attention to civil administration. But when circumstances permit Amgot must hand over to a national administration which can be trusted to act in the twofold interest of the inhabitants and the Allies. There could be little doubt in this case to whom the control should be given. Marshal Badoglio's Government, whose surrender the Allies accepted, is the only organi- sation in existence. It has carried out the Armistice terms loyally, has purged itself of persons objectionable to the Allies, and the Marshal has declared his intention of resigning as soon as the scat of government is transferred to Rome. General Maitland Wilson has stated that the administration is bound by the condition that it must be carried on by officials of "proven good faith and Allied sympathies," and that the Allies are not committed to it after the capture of Rome. The testing of Italian opinion by elections or any other democratic means at this stage is, of course, out of the question.; it is impossible to tell at present what popular support is or is not enjoyed by such men as Count Sforza and Signor Croce. What is needed while an armistice still prevails is a provisional administration capable of carrying on, and that is all that Marshal Badoglio's Government has been empowered to do. The question of the monarchy can quite well wait.
