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  4. Document 941

File No. 865.74/1

The Italian Ambassador ( Macchi di Cellere ) to the Secretary of State

[Translation]
Washington , January 16, 1918 .

Mr. Secretary of State: As a consequence of an exchange of views between the Navy Department (Navy Commercial Office) and the Naval Attaché to this Royal Embassy, it has been found advisable for the United States Government and the Government of Italy to agree upon the conclusion of an accord to the effect of regulating the radiotelegraphie communications between the two countries, on the special consideration that the lack of a direct cable between the United States and Italy makes the exchange of news particularly difficult and slow in a moment when, on the contrary, it would be of the greatest interest for all to have it work as quickly as possible.

I have, therefore, the honor, by order of my Government, to submit to Your Excellency the enclosed draft of a convention1 which might [Page 845] be signed between the United States and Italy for the normal working of a radiotelegraphic service.

Begging you to let me know the decisions of the United States Government on this proposed convention and draft of it, I have [etc.]

V. Macchi di Cellere
  1. Not printed; it is virtually the same as the final text, post, p. 847, except for the revisions agreed upon in the following notes.↩