765.84/1477: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Long) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 30—4:05 p.m.]
630. I had a long talk with Suvich this evening. Without attempting to quote his words I will summarize his pertinent statements.
1. Italy was very much disappointed at the report of the Committee of Five in that it did not afford Italy any opportunity to accept it. He strongly intimated that Italy would have been willing to modify her position even to the extent of recognizing the continuing existence of the original state of Ethiopia if Italy had been given control over those other parts of the country which he insists upon calling the “colonies” of Ethiopia. However, the proposal as made could not be accepted by Italy.
2. Italy has no present intention of withdrawing from the League of Nations.
3. Italy expects to continue on her way in East Africa.
4. Italy expects to be adjudged the aggressor because the attitude of the League of Nations seems to be hostile to Italy and unreasonable toward her and probably will continue so in spite of the general mobilization announced by the Negus.
5. If and when Italy is adjudged an aggressor, he rather expects the application of mild sanctions.
6. He expects Italy to continue as a member of the League even in the case of the application of mild sanctions provided there are no complications in their enforcement.
7. The position of Italy after complications would depend entirely upon the manner in which the complications occurred and the parties responsible therefor.
8. Italy does not expect the application of military sanctions.
9. In case military sanctions should be applied Italy would withdraw from the League.
10. Italy thinks that conversations at Geneva are finished and that if any other conversations are to be started it will be after Italy finds herself on Ethiopian territory. I asked whether those conversations would be after some fighting had occurred, meaning thereby to suggest the thought that they might make a short advance and then halt for negotiations. He replied that he thought that any such negotiations would be carried on during the fighting leaving the distinct impression that they intended to proceed right on their way and he thus prevented [Page 662] my assumption that they would make a short incursion and stop to talk it over.
There is no indication of any willingness to compromise, change their plans or retard their preparations. On the other hand the contrary is true.
Suvich talked about buying from Germany, Japan and the United States in case economic sanctions were applied. These states being without the League would not be bound by sanctions. He commented on the possible complications to follow the stoppage of a ship belonging to either of those three to be searched by an English ship and added facetiously that Italy was now a strong supporter of the doctrine of freedom of the seas.
Repeated to Geneva.