693.119/377
The Acting Secretary of State to the Italian Chargé ( Brambilla )
Sir: You will recall that in May, 1919, the Italian diplomatic representative at Peking joined with the representatives of the other Allied and Associated Powers in making a declaration to the Chinese Government to the effect that the several declarants would undertake to prohibit shipments of firearms and munitions of Avar consigned to China until it should appear that the importation of such materials would no longer result in perpetuating the unfortunate internal strife now prevalent. At that time the Italian diplomatic representative made certain reservations in favor of arms shipments then undelivered. It is therefore desired to invite your attention to the statements contained in the enclosed memorandum3 setting forth certain facts which have been reported to the Department of State and to request that this Government be informed whether the transactions in arms therein reported are connected with the shipments which were undelivered in May, 1919, at the time of the declaration above referred to.
Accept [etc.]
- Not printed.↩