211.65 C 38/151½
The Ambassador in Italy (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 25.]
My Dear Mr. Secretary: As you know I recently took advantage of a slackening up of work here which demanded my personal presence at Rome to pay a visit to northern Italy, partly, perhaps I should say mainly, to recuperate from the heat and depression of the late Roman summer, and partly to see northern Italy and form my own judgment as to how things are going. We passed through the war zone where there appear a countless number of soldiers and also a much larger number of men not yet called under arms than I had imagined there were.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With regard to the general European situation I find that the Ambassadors of the allied powers seem somewhat encouraged by the very latest developments. Russia’s apparent ability to begin to make a stand, and even in some sections to proceed to a counter-offensive movement, is undoubtedly having an effect on the Balkan States, though it is too early yet to know the extent of this. Greece is at this moment apparently balancing herself; but it looks as though she were more than glad to have the allied powers go in through Salonica, and she must recognize that if Germany and Austria win she herself will be sacrificed to Bulgaria, so that her only hope of maintaining herself even in her present position is to secure the victory of the Allies and stand in with them. I feel sure that her protest against the landing of the allied troops at Salonica was only pro forma and that she was more than glad to see it done.
In Italy three classes are just being called out, probably with a view to having on hand ready for work as many men as possible should the Germans and Austrians undertake a descent on Italy. Austria still holds her second line of defense which gives her a great advantage not only for defense but also in the event of an offensive [Page 729] movement. So far Italy is not at war with Germany; but I do not see how she can keep out of war if the general war continues.
Believe me [etc.]