File No. 894.85/143
The Acting Secretary of State to the Italian Ambassador ( Macchi di Cellere)
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of July 11 in which you inquire relative to the distribution to be made among the Associated Governments of certain tonnage secured as the result of negotiations between this Government and Japanese ship builders. You state that the Italian Government is anxious to obtain a part of this tonnage.
I think you will agree with me that the substantial results so far attained justify this Government in asking that it alone shall conduct with the Japanese ship builders any negotiations which may become necessary. Such a procedure appears to me to be as much in the interest of the Italian Government as in that of the United States Government. At the same time I am happy to inform you that the chartering to the Italian Government of some of the new tonnage built under contracts between the Shipping Board and the Japanese ship builders is receiving careful consideration and I suggest that; you discuss this matter with Mr. Hurley.
I am [etc.]