862t.01/103
Memorandum by the Secretary of State of a Conversation with the Italian Ambassador, April 9, 1920
The Italian Ambassador called and discussed the Ruhr Valley question. He said he had a cable from Mr. Nitti in which the latter expressed the view that insistence should be placed upon (1) the retirement of the French troops from the Ruhr Valley and (2) the [Page 320] substitution of diplomatic and civilian missions for the present military missions in Germany.
He further stated that both the above suggestions had been communicated by Mr. Nitti to the French Ambassador at Rome, and by the Italian Minister at London to Mr. Lloyd-George, and that he, the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, was instructed to make the same communication to the State Department.
With reference to point (2) above-mentioned the Italian Ambassador stated that Mr. Nitti believed that much friction and disorder in Germany were due to the present military missions and that this friction would be alleviated if civilian missions should be substituted for the military missions in Germany.
The Italian Ambassador further stated that the foregoing suggestions have been communicated in a most friendly spirit to France, from whom Italy does not desire to dissociate herself in the common tasks and attitude of alliance.