740.0011 Four Power Pact/84: Telegram

The Ambassador in Italy (Long) to the Acting Secretary of State

53. For the President. I am informed that an agreement has been reached on the Four Power Pact and that there now remain only minor questions of form in connection with the preamble which are being discussed by the legal experts in Geneva. The initialing of the pact is expected to take place tomorrow or the next day in Rome.

In connection with this I have learned in my conversations with Suvich38 that it would be considered particularly helpful if you would [Page 412] make some statement commendatory of the pact. I refer not to its implications for Europe but as it may concern the peace of the world. May I commend to your careful and generous consideration an expression favorable to the pact as far as the general interests of the United States in world peace may be affected.

I am requesting that the head of the Government furnish me with the official text as soon as it shall be initialed. Immediately it is received it will be forwarded to you but prior to its arrival I will advise the Department that it has actually been initialed. The text will then follow.

My recommendation above is based on the information from Signor Mussolini and from the other officials of the Government here of the very [high?] esteem in which you are personally and officially held and of their belief that your influence would contribute toward world stability. And in Geneva the same opinion of you prevails.

I may further add that particular attention, rather unusual honor and most complete courtesy have been accorded me as your representative and because of the esteem in which you are held. This has been my entire experience since crossing the border on Sunday and includes the ceremonies attending and the time consumed in audiences with Mussolini and with His Majesty, the latter of unusual length and accompanied by extraordinary honors. The foregoing recommendation is made in view of all this and with the understanding that if you see your way clear to make some expression it will not only be received here with real enthusiasm but will be an actual contribution to the things I know you have at heart.

Long
  1. Italian Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.