701.6593/15: Telegram

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

206. Department’s 84, September 25, 5 p.m. The undoubted real reason is the influence of Galeazzo Ciano,76 son-in-law of Mussolini, whose career in China was a Vice Consul, Secretary of Legation, Consul General and Minister within a period of a few years and whose pro-Chinese sympathies are outspoken. On his return to Italy in May 1933 there immediately appeared here Marshal Chang Hsuehliang, son of the old war lord of Manchuria and present [vice] commander of the Southern [Chinese] forces. Chang and Ciano were very intimate, spent a great deal of time together and had places during the summer at Vallombrosa. Chang returned to China October 1933 and has continued a written and telegraphic correspondence with Ciano. The attention shown the recent Chinese Aviation Commission, formally reported by despatch No. 645 of August 8, 1934,77 was probably at the instigation of Ciano. The Assistant Military Attaché reported recently Italian officers were active in China in the organization and direction of bombardment and pursuit training centers under Chang. All relates to Ciano’s attitude and influence here and his intimacy with Chang and the further probability that Ciano would like to return to China as Ambassador.

However, in addition to this personal factor there is the background of Italy’s opposition to Japan based on Japanese aggression in the Far East and her economic penetration in markets throughout the world where Italy competes.

While I have been unable as yet to see Suvich78 I send these as probable reasons for the movement to create an Embassy in China and will report as soon as I have had a conversation with Suvich.

Long
  1. Count Galeazzo Ciano di Cortellazzo, Italian Under Secretary of Press and Propaganda.
  2. Not printed.
  3. Fulvio Suvich, Italian Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.