881.00/1268: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Fletcher ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:50 p.m.]
98. A copy of Ambassador Hammond’s telegram No. 60 of August 15 was received here today.
The subject of Spanish control of Tangier was mentioned in the course of a conversation with Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Grandi. He endeavored to impress upon me that the Italian Government was only slightly more interested in the question of Tangier than was the United States. He stated that Italy had merely agreed to adhere to the Statute of Tangier at the wish of other powers and then only provided she be given equal rights.
It is my opinion that Italy is interested in the matters reported in the telegram from Ambassador Hammond, but does not believe it now necessary to become actively involved, preferring to leave the burden of the controversy for the time being with Spain and Great Britain as against France.