765.84/440: Telegram

The Chargé in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

344. My 341, July 6, noon.45 Translation of the text of the American note appears in the press this morning in news despatches from New York which also state that the note is generally regarded as a refusal to interfere in any way. It is further reported that in reply to the British note45a the American Government will say that it intends to remain aloof from the dispute and a State Department spokesman is quoted as declaring that under no circumstances would the United States be party to sanctions against Italy and that it would make no [Page 728] representations to the Italian Government. A report is also published that the American Legion at Addis Ababa has been instructed to invite all Americans to leave the country.

No editorial comment with respect to the American attitude has yet appeared.

Kirk
  1. Not printed.
  2. See telegram No. 111, July 9, 7 p.m., to the Chargé in Italy, p. 729.