711.854/64
The Ambassador in Italy (Garrett) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 23.]
Sir: With reference to my telegram No. 7 of February 23, 11 a.m., 1933, in regard to the proposal for a treaty of naturalization between the United States and Italy, I have the honor to inform the Department that from recent conversations at the Foreign Office it would appear that there is a real possibility of an agreement between the two countries on these lines. The matter has been deeply discussed. The Italian Government, however, before proceeding any further finds it necessary to pass a bill in regard to the loss of Italian nationality abroad. This bill has been in committee in the Senate but owing to the shortness of the session and the amount of work that had to be done in connection with the finances etc. it has not yet been possible to put it through. The President of the Senate, the Honorable Federzoni, tells me that he believes that its passage during the month of June is well assured. At the Foreign Office they tell me that they consider that a way has been found in the Department’s draft of a proposal to overcome the difficulties which have stood in the way of the conclusion of a naturalization treaty since 1870. I hope that it will fall to the lot of my successor to bring the negotiations for this treaty to a successful conclusion.
Respectfully yours,