File No. 763.72/3139
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6.20 p.m.]
794. In informal conversation with Minister for Foreign Affairs to-day I reprobated anti-American campaign of press, also govermental action fixing price of coal at figure prohibitive of American shipment. He stated fixed prices necessary for continuance of war; said England recognized it as a condition for furnishing coal, wheat and steel; also that unless prices were kept down people would rise and war could not continue.
I mentioned rumor that he had given form to Allies’ answer. This he neither denied nor affirmed but rather accepted it. He said that he supposed President would now request Germany to define her aims, evidently hopes so.
Switzerland reported mobilizing to show what can do if neutrality violated.