765.84/935: Telegram
The Chargé in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 24—3:15 p.m.]
519. Foreign Office officials inform me that the investigation of the facts relating to the Wal Wal incident are proceeding before the Commission, that Politis as fifth arbitrator is waiting to be called in case the Commission fails to agree and that it is expected that the proceedings of the Commission will continue after August 25th.
These officials show no inclination to discuss the general situation following the failure of the conference between England, France and Italy at Paris. They dismiss the proposals made there as to economic concession for Italy, facilities for colonization and military safeguards as inadequate and useless on the grounds that the Ethiopians are incapable of respecting any agreements which are not imposed and backed by force. As regards the diplomatic conversations referred to in the communiqué issued in Paris after the tripartite conference the officials state that exchanges of views are being carried on but they give no indication that these conversations are considered by the [Page 639] Italians as particularly important. They comment on any sign in England pointing to an attitude more favorable to Italy and refer appreciatively to the attempts of France to reconcile the opposing views. In general their intention seems to be to emphasize the contention that Italy must insist on a solution of the conflict in accordance with her views and that no important developments from a diplomatic point of view are to be expected until the meeting of the League Council on September 4th.
Mussolini is scheduled to leave for the maneuvers today to be absent from Rome for several days.
Cipher to London, Paris, Geneva.