865.002 Mussolini/24
Press Release Issued by the Department of State on January 29, 1931
Statement by the Secretary of State
Having learned from the Navy Department that Major-General Smedley D. Butler, United States Marine Corps, has admitted that the quotation of his remarks in the press was substantially correct, I have this morning handed a note to the Italian Ambassador expressing to Signor Mussolini and to the Italian people the deep regret of this Government at this unauthorized action on the part of an officer on active duty.
The text of the note is as follows:
“January 29, 1931.
“His Excellency
Nobile Giacomo de
Martino,
Royal Italian Ambassador.
“Excellency:
“I have the honor to express the deep regret which this Government feels at the reflections against the Prime Minister of Italy in the unauthorized speech of Major-General Smedley D. Butler, United States Marine Corps, at Philadelphia on January 19. The sincere regrets of this Government are extended to Mr. Mussolini and to the Italian people for this discourteous and unwarranted utterance by a commissioned officer of this Government on active duty.
“Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurance of my highest consideration.
(Signed) Henry L. Stimson.”