611.6531/334: Telegram

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

523. Department’s 177, December 10, 7 p.m. At the meeting with the Italian experts this afternoon the Italian translation of the first 13 articles of the new Treaty of Commerce and Friendship was handed us. It included a number of variations which we are studying. The English text of these articles is now being prepared and will be forwarded with comment as soon as possible.

At the close of the meeting the Department’s draft documentation [denunciation?] was handed to Giannini who promised to refer the question at once to Ciano. Giannini felt, however, there would be no difficulty in arranging for the documentation [denunciation?] early next week and said he would prepare the necessary protocol of signature. He asked that at the time of making public the fact of denunciation it be accompanied by a statement to the press to the effect that negotiations for the new treaty are now under way. Do you approve?27

Phillips
  1. By telegram No. 181 December 15, 4 p.m., the Acting Secretary of State conveyed his approval and the text of a suggested joint press statement to be released simultaneously in Washington and Rome.