File No. 763.72/8592
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 22, 10.03 a.m.]
1372. Prime Minister Orlando left last night suddenly for London supposedly to urge on Lloyd George personally Italy’s asserted right to possession of Trieste and eastern coast of Adriatic.
Italian press discussing warmly, even critically, since Lloyd George’s speech to workmen, omission of reference to Italy’s rights. It says that omission repeated becomes commission. They speak as if Italy’s rights are unquestioned and could be got for the asking.
Baron Sonnino said to me Saturday in informal conversation that President’s reference to Italy, to satisfy Italy’s imperative requirements for security, ought to be extended to include Italy’s geographically defensive frontier.