File No. 763.72111/1
The Chargé d’Affaires in Italy (Jay) to the Secretary of State
Rome, August 1, 1914, 4 p.m.
[Received August 2, 9 a.m.]
[Telegram]
Referring to the Department’s telegram of July 31, 5 p.m.2 Universal impression here among diplomatic, press and other circles that Italy will remain neutral. It is difficult to see how Italy, despite any possible existing treaties, could declare war in support of Austria, her traditional enemy among the people and her political rival in the Adriatic and Balkans. No mobilization of army yet. Subsidized [mobilized?] fleet reported gathering at Gaeta. Financial situation here appearing better and stronger than in other large European capitals. Italian Government bonds have declined very little so far.