File No. 763.72/3149
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5 p.m.]
800. Learn good authority Balfour note to President much criticised Vatican where it is said cruelties by Turks not true reason Allies wish their expulsion from Europe; allege France promised Constantinople to Russia in 1913 and confirmed promise after Poincare’s election, and England agreed thereto autumn 1914 before commission any cruelties. Great criticism still made of partition of Europe desired by England. They say reuniting under Russia whole of Poland, the Dardanelles, Kurdistan, Armenia, Romanized Nia [Bukovina?] and Galicia, which they allege England has dictated Russia shall have, will almost bring Cossacks to gates of Vienna and Berlin, and with enlarged Serbia under her orders will impose Russian hegemony on all Europe and give her preponderating influence on Orient. This they affirm incompatible with European civilization, liberty, and independence, so that new war against Russia not merely possible but probably directly [imminent when] present conflict past.