500.A15 a 1/44: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Fletcher) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:10 p.m.]
26. My 24, February 21. In handing me the Italian reply this morning and speaking for Mussolini, Under Secretary Grandi sought to impress upon me that Italo-French relations are extremely delicate. This was also referred to by Mussolini when I presented our memorandum, as I telegraphed. Unless and until Italo-French relations improve, it is evident that no effective steps can be taken in the Mediterranean toward limiting naval armaments.
Italy, according to Grandi, believes France will agree to extension to lesser craft of the Italo-French parity established at Washington and Italy, therefore, does not wish to risk the loss, at a new Conference, of the moral prestige and advantage gained at Washington. This explains the naive suggestion which the Italian Ambassador at Washington has been instructed to make to you.12