741.5111 European Co-operation/17

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

[Extract]
No. 1496

Sir:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In conclusion I may say that while Italian public opinion is thus favorable to the accord, an undercurrent of scepticism is perceptible. In some quarters it is rumored that a certain displeasure prevailed in higher official circles at the form in which the announcement of the accord was made suddenly and almost simultaneously from London and Paris. It is stated that this seemed to indicate a certain disregard for Italy’s importance in European affairs. Such official disapproval, added to what is termed a partial failure of Italy’s, or rather Mussolini’s, policy at Lausanne when the “slate” was not “sponged clean” and when Italy’s alleged efforts to prevent the “gentlemen’s agreement” were circumvented, is rumored to have some connection with the resignation of Signor Grandi as Foreign Minister and Signor Mosconi as Minister of Finance (see my despatch No. 1498 of July 22, 1932).48 Needless to say, no hint as to such a cause or to any possible failure has been allowed to creep into the news columns. Officially, at present as before, the Lausanne Conference is reported as a triumph of Mussolinian principles.

Respectfully yours,

John W. Garrett
  1. Not printed.