Allied Rulers in Sicily
Tile Allies are now addressing themselves to a new task that will become of ever-growing dimensions as they advance into country hitherto owned or occupied by the enemy in Europe. They have to rule and impose order on territory recently controlled by the tyrants. Already in Sicily it has become necessary to provide for the civil government of the regions we have conquered. Prepara- tions, it is gratifying to know, have been made in advance by the British and Americans jointly. General Sir Harold Alexander has been appointed Military Governor of the island, and under him an organisation called the Allied Military Government of Occupied Territory (Amgot) has been set up, with Lord Rennell of Rodd as chief civil affairs officer, and Brigadier-General Frank McSherry, of the United States Army, as Deputy Chief. The staff will consist of a mixed team of British and Americans who have been previously trained for this work. Fascists will be removed from their posts, but for the rest local officials will be required to carry on duties subject to the direction of Amgot, and ordinary citizens, under a firm but benevolent rule, are encouraged to go about their ordinary business. In the nature of things such an arrangement must be provisional, but it is of the highest importance that a success should be made of this great enterprise of creating order under Allied occupation. Not the least significant element in the situation is that British and Americans will be partners engaged on the same task, exploring together the possibilities of the new situation. In civil affairs as in fighting they will be gaining experience of co- operation which may point the way to still wider co-operation in the future
