File No. 763.72/11632
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5, 3.43 a.m.]
2083. In unofficial conversations with Sonnino and Orlando, I have mentioned having found prevalent among certain important people the view that Italy ought to make an offensive even if only a partial one. They both expressed conviction based on their military reports that such offensive too hazardous to undertake (without?) support from outside, that is, of American troops, and I understand Orlando will defend, in Chamber today, Italy’s position. Sonnino, I know, has urged an offensive but yielded before opposition. Orlando I saw yesterday, he having just returned from headquarters at front. Immediately afterwards he had a conference of newspaper men and the Messaggero this morning declares for an Italian offensive.