462.00R296/4062: Telegram

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

105. Following is translation of telegram which Chief of Government19 sent this evening to Italian Ambassador at Washington and [Page 222] of which Minister for Foreign Affairs has just handed me original text:

“I beg Tour Excellency to inform the Government of the United States that I have examined the proposal of President Hoover for the total suspension during a year of the payment of the debts between governments.

This proposal necessitates considerable sacrifices on the part of Italy but I, after mature reflection, have decided to give it my cordial acceptance in principle. I expect to convey later to the American Government some observations on my part concerning an application at once equitable and practical, as is certainly within the intention of President Hoover, of the happy initiative of the American Government. Hope that the initiative of President Hoover of which the high moral significance has been perfectly understood by the Italian people, will inaugurate a period of the most successful collaboration between the nations so much more necessary in this moment of general difficulties and on the eve of the Disarmament Conference.”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs informs me that it is proposed to give the foregoing to the press tomorrow at noon.

Garrett
  1. Benito Mussolini.