File No. 861.00/2493
The Assistant Secretary of State (Phillips) to the Acting Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Polk: The Italian Ambassador at his own request came to see me to-day regarding the Siberian situation. He dwelt on the [Page 276] position that Baron Sonnino had taken during the last two months in trying to curb the enthusiasm for action of the British and French Governments, that he had always pointed out to them that nothing must be done without the cordial support of the American Government. He referred to the 700 Italia irridenta troops which had found their way into northern China and were anxious to be transported to Italy; that at that time the Department had intimated to him that possibly these Italian troops might be utilized in Siberia in the event of an inter-Allied expedition and that, therefore, it might be wise not to move them until a final decision had been reached regarding Siberia; that he had put up this proposition to his Government who had accepted it and that these troops were now in Tientsin ready under orders of their Government to proceed at once to Siberia; and he dwelt particularly on the fact that they were ready because the Secretary of State had suggested some time ago that they might be utilized.
He referred to the public discussions concerning the advisability of inter-Allied intervention, not only in this country but even more so in Italy, France and England, and that these discussions had gone on so long that a popular opinion had been created which must be reckoned with. He told me that the first announcement which the Secretary made to Jusserand, Reading and himself came as a shock to them all especially after the diplomatic exchanges of the last few weeks looking towards an Allied movement. In telegraphing his Government the decision of the United States he had stated that in his opinion the decision was more a matter of form than of substance. I explained the underlying reason that had made it necessary for the Secretary to approach the Japanese Government in the first instance and I think Count Cellere was convinced of the desirability of this move. He replied, however, by saying that everything could be settled agreeably if after the United States and Japan have reached their agreement, the Governments of Italy, Great Britain and France would be informed of this fact and asked what assistance they could send immediately.