765.84/1291: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Bingham) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 21—9:45 a.m.]
462. In the absence of the Foreign Secretary Mr. Sumner Welles78 and I called on Vansittart yesterday. After some weeks of absence from London I received an impression of greatly increased tenseness and was struck by the emphasis Vansittart gave to the extent British public opinion has consolidated for implementing the obligations of [Page 655] the Covenant. He believes Italian military operations will begin in the next week and any endeavor to cheek Mussolini now as hopeless. His hope for the future lies in concerted world opinion against Mussolini once he turns aggressor. This same view was expressed to me by Sir Samuel Hoare before my departure.
In analyzing the increased tension that exists here today I am led to believe (1) it depends partly on uncertainty as to the extent the French consider themselves committed to implement the Covenant and incidentally the British thesis thereinunder, and (2) lest public opinion here become outraged either by some “Maine” incident or moral indignation aroused by Italian methods of warfare. Vansittart expressed doubt of Italy’s ability to carry on a war for an extended period owing to the lack of credits and decreasing gold reserve. Germany and Poland however, he believed, were for the time being extending credits to Italy, more particularly in respect of coal purchases.
I very much appreciate your telegram 262, September 20, 11 a.m.79 just received.