500.A15a3/1224: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Italy (Garrett)

[Paraphrase]

97. For Gibson. Your 104, November 1, 4 [1] p.m. I have not denied categorically that you are discussing French-Italian difficulties, although I have made denial of any suggestion of good offices, mediation, and set formulae. The first story published on the subject came [Page 167] from Stowe, Paris correspondent of the Herald Tribune, and was inadvertently corroborated here to Drew Pearson by the British Ambassador.

The French Embassy here, furthermore, has told enough to Constantine Brown for him to be able to piece out a story with the information he has received from the same paper’s correspondent in Paris.

I have also tried to emphasize the connection between your visit and the meeting of the Preparatory Commission at Geneva this month.

Stimson