File No. 763.72/7635
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 9, 12.50 p.m.]
1197. Conditions in Italy appear under the circumstances fairly good and it looks as though they would improve but certain elements [Page 298] among the people undoubtedly much depressed and need whatever encouragement can be given. I hear rumors of increasing discontent among certain elements in the Army and of soldiers complaining getting only three cents per diem and having no leave. On the other hand Army seems well in hand and the retirement towards Piave has been effected successfully from military standpoint, though with vast loss of guns, material and men mainly in first few days. I hear from Minister Nitti conference at Rapallo was entirely harmonious. Barrere returned to-day. Italian Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs not yet returned, supposed they have gone to front.
I hear that Cadorna will remain ostensibly in command but council of war of four or five generals will constitute board really in command, probably with King at the head. A permanent war council of Allies has been decided on, I hear, and present intention reported to be to send all troops possible to aid Italy. There begins to be much discussion of our not being at war with Austria and Giornale d’Italia this morning contained editorial speaking of warm and spontaneous solidarity shown Italy by America but declares American intervention now absolutely necessary on all western fronts of which at present Italy is crucial point; declares further that the abstention of America from coalition against House of Hapsburg weakens coalition immeasurably and states intervention of America on Italian front absolutely necessary to success of Allied cause. Tremendous peace propaganda going on especially along Austrian front by Germany and Austria to weaken Italian resistance by deceptive promises of terms if Italy withdraw from Allied cause and I hear it is having dangerous effect. Many look for an early offer of peace terms to Italy and serious danger may result therefrom. We have no offsetting propaganda.