811.00F/208: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Long) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:45 p.m.]
139. Department’s telegram No. 45, March 14, 6 p.m.40 I discussed with Mr. Suvich41 last night the subject of Fascist propaganda in the [Page 550] United States and presented the entire case with special reference to the matters mentioned in the Department’s telegram referred to above and in its instructions Nos. 366 of February 14th,42 received March 18th, and 374 of February 28, 1935.
Mr. Suvich seemed to think that he had later information than I had and said that you and Rosso had come to an agreement. I said that I had recent advices and that I did not think there had been an agreement and that there were several matters not disposed of, amongst which were the question as to whether the distribution of text books falls within the normal bounds of consular functions considering that the Vice Consuls had recognized privileges and immunities and could work under cover. In addition to that was the fact that they were officers of the Italian Government acting under its orders and consequently their work was linked directly to the Italian Government which created a situation leading directly to the assumption that the Italian Government itself was directing activities of a character which fell without the sphere of regular consular activities. There was also the question of the free distribution of text books containing subject matter which might be regarded as of a political nature. There was also the question of the establishment of agencies specifically for that purpose to be open for public inspection and without the privileges and immunities attaching to the officers of the Italian Government if there was to be any activity of that sort.
Mr. Suvich said that, of course, his Government had no desire to do anything that would cause an outburst in America or a feeling of resentment against his Government which would in any way mar the cordial relations existing and that they would consider what should be done under the circumstances and would probably establish some societies to carry on that work.