500.A15a3/1299: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Garrett) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—9:30 a.m.]
124. I am informed that Craigie, who is leaving for Paris today, is taking with him the personal and private assurance of Rosso that he considers that his Government will be able, provided France does the same, to accept with two exceptions the proposal which Craigie submitted to them. The exceptions are:
- First, that, instead of the 44,000 tons proposed in the original plan, Italy must have a minimum of 52,700 tons for submarines;
- Second, the idea, which had been proposed in connection with the suggested capital ship settlement, of scrapping pre-Washington cruiser tonnage is opposed by Italy.
It is Craigie’s feeling, nevertheless, that a very good basis for submission to the French Government has now been obtained. It is suggested that if an agreement is now reached the two Ministers of Marine should embody it in an exchange of unofficial letters. While it is feared by Craigie that there is not enough time to conclude the negotiations before the meeting of the Council of the League of Nations on January 16, it is nevertheless his hope that such a result may be achieved.
Repeated to Brussels and Berne.