AFHQ announcement
September 8, 1943, 1:00 p.m. ET
Some weeks ago, the Italian government made an approach to the British and American governments with a view to concluding an armistice. A meeting was arranged and took place in neutral territory.
It was at once explained to the representatives of the Italian government that they must surrender unconditionally. On this understanding representatives of the Allied Commander-in-Chief were empowered to communicate to them the military conditions which they would have to fulfill.
One clause in these military terms binds the Italian government to comply with the political, economic and financial conditions of the Allies which will be imposed later.
Further meetings were arranged and took place in Sicily. The armistice was signed at Allied advanced headquarters there on September 3, but it was agreed with the representatives of the Italian government that the armistice should come into force at a moment most favorable to the Allies and be simultaneously announced by both sides. That moment has now arrived.
The possibility of a German move to forestall publication of the armistice by the Italian government was discussed during the negotiations. To meet this eventuality, it was agreed that one of the senior Italian military representatives should not return to Rome.
He is now in Sicily.
Further, Marshal Badoglio arranged to send the text of his proclamation to Allied headquarters.