File No. 763.72/5127
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9.10 p.m.]
6367. Your 4909, June 2, 4 p.m. Lord Robert Cecil assures me that lack of sailing vessels is the only reason why Great Britain does not fully supply Italy with coal. They now send about 450,000 tons a month which they are trying to increase to 500,000. … He would be glad if we could supply 100,000 tons a month and he thinks that 600,000 tons would keep Italy going. He raised the question whether if we have ships it might not be better after the initial voyage to take coal from England on account of the shorter haul. He disclaimed any concern about the commercial aspects of the case since the question is solely, one of ships. I reminded him of the greater submarine danger of the route from England to Italy over the United States to Italy. He replied, “Yes, somewhat, but there isn’t [Page 602] much difference.” The foregoing figures are subject to possible correction. He is now having the record examined and will inform me to-morrow.1
- In his telegram No. 6395, June 7, the Ambassador stated that the figures given in a memorandum then received were substantially the same. (File No. 763.72/5192.)↩