852.01/125: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Phillips ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 29—3:39 p.m.]
436. Department’s circular telegram, October 28, 6 p.m. As I have already asked to see Ciano at an early date, I shall take that occasion to endeavor to obtain definite information as to the attitude of the Italian Government toward recognition of Spanish insurgents.
Should Madrid fall to the insurgent forces indications here both in the press and from local sources point to the early recognition both by Italy and Germany of the Burgos government. In this connection the retiring French Ambassador told me today that in his farewell audience with the Duce 2 days ago the latter had emphasized that Italy was in no way interested in acquiring any Spanish territory but to this he had added “but Catalonia”. This was brought in in such a way as to indicate to De Chambrun that developments in Catalonia might be of such importance as to justify possible interference by Italy. While the Duce did not further elucidate what he had in mind De Chambrun interpreted his reference to Catalonia in the following sense: General Franco is about to take Madrid and in all probability the Italian and German Governments will at once give recognition to [Page 545] his government. There is then the possibility that the present Madrid Government will retire to Barcelona, will be submerged in the present Communist government there and in consequence Catalonia will become an intensely Communistic sore spot which will continue to develop unfortunate repercussions in other parts of Europe.
Following the meeting of the International Committee in London yesterday the Italian press devotes much prominence to the Spanish situation. This afternoon’s papers editorially state that Russia must answer not only to the Committee but to all Europe for its illicit intervention in Spain, The government spokesman maintains that by aiding the handful of men who represent the Madrid Government against a national government which now controls five-sixths of Spanish territory and is supported by the mass of the people, Russia is in effect declaring war on the real Spanish Government and nation. All editorials on the subject implicitly or explicitly warn France as to the consequences of her Russian alliance.