711.652/75: Telegram

The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State

484. My 481, November 21, 9 p.m. I again brought up with Count Ciano last night the question of the joint denunciation of the old Treaty of Commerce and Friendship stressing the need for prompt action in this respect. Ciano promised to consult his experts.

Giannini today informs me that his Government is prepared to agree that if by December 15th it does not appear likely that negotiations for the new treaty can be concluded before the first of the year the two Governments will proceed to a denunciation of the Treaty of 1871. If, however, the negotiations are on the point of successful conclusion at that time Italy would prefer to substitute the new treaty for the old without the necessity of a prior act of denunciation.

Is this satisfactory to the Department?

Phillips