File No. 763.72119/2139
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 13, 6.31 p.m.]
2128. In a conversation with Minister of War he informs me that even if Italy’s territory overrun during this war be evacuated [Page 357] in the event of an armistice, Italy, should armistice fail, would not be able to defend former frontier against sudden attack as that frontier is nearly twice length of Piave frontier and all of Italy’s original defenses on former frontier have been destroyed. To render Italy at all secure against attack, he declares that it is necessary to assign to Italy as pledges certain strategic points to hold during any negotiations.