File No. 763.72/1860

The Ambassador in Italy (Page) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

324. Russian Ambassador De Giers last night presented an interesting view that rupture of relations between America and Germany [Page 42] would have enormous moral effect, even more perhaps than immediate declaration of war. He thinks war would almost certainly follow soon. Also says present Russian retirement before Germans strategic and he has no apprehensions of final result.

Italy not yet at war with Germany or Turkey but will declare war the day after she finds German troops with Austrians. War will also probably be soon declared with Turkey. Italy’s allies urgently wish it.

American Embassy