611.6531/237
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs (Moffat)
The Italian Ambassador called this morning upon Mr. Sayre and left him a copy of the attached aide-mémoire21 which was an answer to the observations presented in writing by Mr. Grady on March 16. [Page 530] The Ambassador pointed out that his aide-mémoire answered the specific question of whether Italy felt that a useful purpose would be served by the continuance of trade negotiations. On the other hand, the authorities in Rome were faced by a difficult practical situation, namely, that their technical personnel is exceedingly limited. They wondered therefore whether it might be possible to transfer at least the early stages of the negotiations to Rome. Mr. Sayre pointed out that we had exactly the same difficulties and had not been able to accede to similar requests from other countries. On the other hand, this was a bridge which it was not necessary to cross at the present moment; meanwhile he would give careful consideration to the Ambassador’s aide-mémoire, discuss it with his associates and would then ask the Ambassador to return for a further talk on questions of principle.
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