Summary/Abstract: During the Second World War, the Italian envoy in Belgrade had no authority to communicate directly with local administrations. However, the reports of Italian diplomats on the situation in occupied Serbia cast a different light and give a more detailed picture of the many events and processes. They were based on personal insight, interviews with the official representatives of Germany in Serbia, and also on indirect contacts with Serbian officials in the administration under occupation. Those contacts were maintained through trusted mediators. During the two first war years, Italian diplomats daily followed the situation in the country and in the city, the functioning of the German military command, and important leaders including General Milan Nedić, General Dragoljub Draža Mihailović, Kosta Pećanac, and Dimitrije Ljotić, as well as their asociates. The man behind most of the reports was experienced diplomat Francesco Mameli. the Italian envoy in Belgrade from 1940 to 1943. Of particular importance are testimonies gained through direct contacts with representatives of the Serbian occupation apparatus. They reveal many hidden details of a turbulent and complex period in Yugoslav history, including the negotiations between Italian Legation personnel and General Milan Nedić during the spring of 1942.
