File No. 763.72111/345
The Ambassador in Italy (Page) to the Secretary of State
Rome, August 22, 1914, 12 noon.
[Received 4:30 p.m.]
[Telegram]
Political situation here seems unsteady. Appearance of awaiting only decisive action along German borders. Also seems [that while] Government firmly maintaining neutrality, people warmly friendly to France. Meantime making great preparations quietly; about 240,000 men in addition to regular army of 200,000 called out; reported sent to defend northeast border covering Vicenza, Venice and Littoral. Government arranging for supplies; its factories for shirts, etc., rumored running night and day; agents sent to America to buy coal and stores. Apparent danger is Balkans flaming; Roumania at present quiet but dangerous; Turkey showing great unrest; [Page 70] no report confirming promise to disarm Goeben, Breslau; danger of Islam rising. British anxious to hear arrival of 20,000 Indian troops ordered sent to Egypt. Assembling conclave Cardinals may have some effect towards quieting Italy. British Ambassador confirms that Japan’s action definitely limited to China seas, not to enter Pacific except to protect her steamships. Japan seeking medical stores. I referred Japanese Ambassador to America. Albanian situation extremely dangerous.