500.A4/253½
Memorandum by the Secretary of State of a Conversation with the Italian Ambassador (Ricci) and the Counselor of the Italian Embassy (Sabetta), November 3, 1921
The Counselor acted as interpreter.
The Ambassador said that he wished to express the deep interest of his Government in the work of the Conference and to assure the American Government that Italy desired to support the American views and policy in the Conference. The Italian Ambassador stated that he wished the Secretary to understand that if at any time the Secretary would communicate to him what he desired, he would be very glad to give his support. The Ambassador said further that whenever the Secretary saw on the part of any member of the Italian Delegation, any variance from the support of the United States, or anything which he felt was not in harmony with full cooperation, he would appreciate it if the Secretary would inform the Ambassador personally and that he would immediately attend to the matter, as he had full instructions from his Government to see that the Delegation supported the American position.
[Page 82]The Ambassador said that he would like to have an interview with the Secretary in the near future in order that he might go over with him the proposed work of the Conference.
The Secretary expressed his appreciation of the cordiality of the suggestions that had been made, and said that he would be very glad to talk with the Ambassador from time to time so far as it was practicable in the course of the development of the work of the Conference.