741.65/302: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 29—9:05 a.m.]
553. In strict confidence the Embassy has been shown a copy of the present draft of the Anglo-Italian joint declaration in respect to [Page 618] the Mediterranean. It is expected that this will be signed within a few days possibly before the new year.40
In substance the declaration sets forth the desire of both countries to contribute to peace. To this end they recognize that the freedom of entry into, exit from, and transit through the Mediterranean is of vital interest to both countries and that these interests are in no way inconsistent. Each agrees to respect the other’s rights in this area and will discourage any action liable to impair their good relations; both disclaim any desire to modify or to see modified the status quo in the Mediterranean. The object of the declaration is described therein as solely for the purpose of promoting peace in this area and is not directed against any other power.
In explaining the declaration the British Embassy states that although it does not anticipate that any changes in substance will be made in the present draft it should be understood that the final wording has not yet been agreed upon. The British Ambassador expects to discuss the definitive text this afternoon with Ciano and hopes to secure his agreement. After the accord has been signed several days will elapse before it is made public in order to give Great Britain an opportunity to inform the French Government which has been kept in close touch with the course of the present negotiations. It is also hoped that the Italian Government will likewise notify France as well as Germany.
While the declaration makes no specific mention of the Spanish territory or islands the reference to the status quo in the Mediterranean is intended to give the necessary assurances that Italy has no designs in that respect.
The British Embassy has expressed the opinion that the conclusion of this accord will create a favorable atmosphere in which it may be possible to work out a more satisfactory arrangement as regards Spain. While it was not actually said, the impression was gained that with the improvement of the relations between the two countries Great Britain anticipates that Italy will be willing to play a more active role in the Non-intervention Committee.
- See British Cmd. 5348, Italy No. 1 (1937): Declaration by His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and the Italian Government Regarding Mediterranean (with Exchange of Notes Regarding the Status Quo in the Western Mediterranean dated December 81, 1936), Rome, January 2, 1987.↩