852.00/385T: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received November 24—8:25 a.m.]
483. In conversation with Count Ciano yesterday he expressed the opinion that in spite of the delay General Franco would certainly take Madrid. In reply to my inquiry he said it was true that Soviet ships were on the way but according to his information they were carrying supplies rather than men. I asked him whether he intended to prevent these ships from landing in Spanish waters. He said that this was not the intention of the Italian Government for the present at least and that whatever action might be taken in the future would be left to be determined in the future. He made it quite clear to me that there was no immediate danger of hostilities involved in the coming of the Soviet supply ships. He mentioned that certain sections of the American press did not understand the Italian position with regard to the Spanish conflict; that Italy was trying to save western civilization from Communist domination and that that was all there was to it. He felt that if the American public could only realize the actual situation and the dangers involved if Communism obtained the upper hand in this part of the world they would more readily appreciate the efforts of the Italian Government. He added that he hoped I would make this clear to my Government which I assured him I would do.