Paris Peace Conf. 865.00/15: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Page) to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
[Received January 12—9:30 p.m.]
65. Political: President Wilson’s brief but very successful visit to Italy has been the noted event of last two weeks. He arrived Rome Friday, Jan. 4th, and left next night for Milan, thence to Genoa and Turin, returning to France Sunday night. Everywhere he received enthusiastic reception from all classes, including the more or less troublesome labor classes of the North. At Milan Executive Committee of Regular Socialists had passed resolution calling on members to pay no homage to Wilson which had no effect, President being cordially received by Socialist Mayor Caldara and by organized Socialist Labor. Turin, he was met by large and notable labor representation. This would seem to discredit and make of little value attacks on President by Avanti, the radical Socialist organ, especially since all other papers of every political leaning united in editorial comment [Page 154] very favorable to him. Naples was disappointed, and Florence disgruntled at not receiving visit, indeed in Florentine papers there appeared no editorial comment at all. But the visit was a great success and the President’s speeches have been reprinted everywhere and have made a profound impression throughout Italy. Whatever others may say, the people of Italy have unbounded confidence in him. Visit to Pope caused no hostile criticisms, the country understanding that he visited the Pope only as religious head of American Catholics, and that it had no political significance. This visit was followed by one to the representatives of the Protestant bodies in Italy.
The state luncheon given at the American Embassy in his name to Their Majesties, the King and Queen, was attended by Their Majesties, and by the principal Ministers, members of the Court, the Ambassadors of the Allies, the Mayor of Rome, and other high officials. It was the first time that Their Majesties have ever accepted an invitation to an Embassy. The luncheon was considered a great success from the diplomatic, as well as the social point of view.
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