File No. 763.72/11834

The Ambassador in Italy ( Page ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

2202. Much rivalry and increasing mutual criticism between Italians and French. This is strongly emphasized by rivalry in Albania and Servia where each is straining every nerve to forestall the other. I hear on good authority that the Italian commander in Albania, fearing that French will turn westward, has ordered his cavalry to arrive at Scutari at all hazards before the French. Italians also planning to land forces at San Giovanni di Medua with same design.

The Italians believe that the French are really hostile to Italy and rivalry at times approaches antagonism and may bear ill fruit in the future.

Nelson Page