File No. 365.117/303
Ambassador Penfield to the Secretary of State
Vienna, March 27, 1916.
1205. Your 1167, 21st. Ministry Foreign Affairs inform me Ministry War although prepared to comply wishes American Government regarding release Frank L. Ghiloni cannot do so except under assumption that American Government first cause Italian Government recognize his American citizenship, otherwise likelihood would obtain that after being discharged he could again be compelled by Italy or Allies to perform military service Italian army against Central Powers; this in view refusal Italian authorities to recognize his American citizenship and permit return to United States intervention of American representatives notwithstanding.