File No. 763.72119/255
The Ambassador in Italy (page) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 26, 8.30 a. m.]
Press here strongly hostile to President’s suggestion. Clerical press partly favorable, though a part refers to Pope as the true intermediary and reference has been made to United States and Switzerland as representing Protestantism. Pope in allocution yesterday referring to peace made no reference to President’s move. British Ambassador left suddenly for England last night. My opinion is that President’s plan will eventually be accepted substantially, even though first reply may appear to repudiate it. I hear that Swiss Minister told French Ambassador he considered peace move excellent and latter showed much irritation. Press tends to impress me with view that governments apprehend people may be carried away by peace idea and grow lax, but if the idea of a peace just and durable be pressed it will prevail.