File No. 763.72119/512
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 17, 2 p.m.]
872. Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered this afternoon speech covering Italy’s foreign policy. It included following passage:
Important message President Wilson January 22 advanced the conception future international settlement aiming at guaranteeing [Page 70] humanity from new calamities of war. President recognizes that all this can not be obtained even partially unless conditions peace satisfy general principles justice and civilization of respect of nationalities and of small states, principles already laid down in Allies’ answer to his first note. But he does not explain how all this can be accomplished assuming his premise of peace without victory. This would be indeed equivalent to negotiation of causes of this war and to disavowal of aims proclaimed by Italy and Allies.
Speech received with general applause.