740.0011 Four Power Pact/72: Telegram

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

37. I am informed that yesterday the British Ambassador here was instructed by his Government to urge Mussolini that in view of the precarious conditions prevailing in Europe every possible effort should be made to rush through the Four Power Pact at the earliest possible moment even at the cost of concessions on all sides. The British Ambassador communicated these instructions to Mussolini this morning who stated that he too was of the same opinion and had instructed Grandi yesterday to make similar representations in London. Mussolini added that apparently the Hitler Government also felt the necessity for speedy action and that Goering was arriving in Rome this afternoon when negotiations would start with a view to reaching a prompt decision in regard to the pact.

Garrett