500.A15A5/692: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 28—11:42 a.m.]
112. The Italian delegation called on Admiral Standley and me this morning to elucidate the position taken by them in their meeting with the British yesterday. They explained that while the fundamental reason for their inability to commit themselves now on a naval agreement is political they decided after full consideration that if they refused on the ground that they could not agree to limit their naval armaments as long as sanctions are being applied against Italy with the threat of military force it might appear that Italy was trying to blackmail the sanctionist powers either to withdraw sanctions or to negotiate a settlement. Accordingly they felt it advisable to state that for technical and other difficulties they were not for the moment ready to sign a treaty. They said that while they were in favor of a reduction in battleship displacement after a certain number of battleships are built and were in favor of limiting the nonconstruction zone between 10,000 and 17,000 tons they would be able to concede these points were it not for the political difficulties. They, therefore, wished to assure us categorically that once the political situation has [Page 78] so ameliorated that Italy can join in a naval agreement they will raise no objections on technical grounds. They wish to remain in the Conference and collaborate in the preparation of a text for a treaty with the understanding, however, that they are not expected to commit themselves at present but are aiding in the formulation of a draft which they would hope later to accept. Such reservations as they would have to make now with regard to the battleship and the zone of nonconstruction would not be done in such a manner as to make it difficult for them to accept subsequently. They expressed the hope that Great Britain, France and ourselves would thus be able to complete and sign a treaty now along the lines we had been negotiating leaving it open for subsequent Italian adherence and that by having continued to participate with us in the work it would be easier for Italy to adhere.
They said they had not put this up to their home government yet but believed it would be acceptable.