File No. 763.72/5345
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6.80 p.m.]
Received word last night King wished see me at audience this morning. He expressed thanks for all kindness shown. Conversing after this informally he seemed in good spirits and confident of final success. I gathered chief need for Italy is supplies, especially coal. He mentioned that with more big guns and munitions success would come quicker and the crumbling of Austria-Hungary would mean Germany’s failure. He mentioned impression here that submarine boats are being withdrawn from Mediterranean to prevent American troops reaching Europe.