Post by Diarist on May 3, 2016 17:49:00 GMT 1
Dino Grandi arrived in the Italian capital late in the evening and proceeded immediately to confer with Prince Umberto, PM-designate Ivanoe Bonomi and Marshall Badoglio. Dino explained the treaty offer in great detail and in a positive manner. There were misgivings about France retaining the Aosta, Cuneo and Imperia regions as well as the Alpine territory west of Torino but their return to Italy could be negotiated after 10 maybe 15 years of peace between the two nations. Grandi also explained that if an agreement is reached POWs and Italian civilians in Africa could begin returning home immediately.
Prince Umberto conferred with his father for about 30 minutes then instructed Dino Grandi to telegraph the French Foreign Ministry in Paris and inform them that Italy accepts the terms. Grandi was also informed that he has been appointed the new Foreign Secretary for Italy; the post was previously held by Mussolini.