500.A15a3/1262: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation on the Preparatory Commission (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:58 p.m.]
14. I received a call this afternoon from Massigli. He stated that he had had a talk with Rosso in order to ascertain whether there was any basis for profitable resumption of naval conversations. In reply to the question whether Italy would insist, in laying down figures, on maintaining the appearance of parity, it was suggested by Rosso that such was the effect of his instructions. It was next stated by Massigli that at the present time this subject of conversation did not seem to be a profitable one and inquiry in regard to other alternatives was made, in reply to which Rosso stated that, while preferring that the five-power treaty be completed, if it should prove impossible the Italian Government would be ready to consider unilateral declarations as an alternative.
Having been asked by Massigli whether Italy would feel obliged to announce the same program, if France laid down a program in its declarations, Rosso replied in the affirmative. After which it was stated by Massigli that in this case it might be more profitable if the discussion were approached from another angle. He asked whether Rosso was willing that the question of levels as between the British and the French Navies should be discussed with Craigie by Massigli, to which Rosso agreed rather reluctantly. The above is confirmed by Craigie who talked with both Massigli and Rosso. He adds that, awaiting certain instructions requested by Massigli, the discussions [Page 177] between Britain and France cannot take place until the end of this week.
The possibility of a distinction between replacements and new construction is being examined by Britain and France in the meantime, to see if anything can be done toward having both France and Italy announce a holiday in new construction so that the question of parity may be avoided and a satisfactory French superiority in replacement worked out. The possibility of declarations to cover the period up to and including 1933, which may simplify the problem, has been discussed by Craigie and Massigli as a last resort.