765.84/4362: Telegram
The Chargé in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 11—2:20 p.m.]
147. Insofar as can be ascertained at present the status of Ethiopia which the Italian Government regards as having been established by the decree approved Saturday night (my 143, May 9, midnight88) is not clearly defined even in the minds of Italian officials themselves. They declare that from their point of view the Empire of Ethiopia has ceased to exist and that the territories and peoples of the Empire have been placed under Italian sovereignty and in this connection the doctrine of “debellatio” is mentioned. It is on the matter of the juridical status of the territory, however, and the significance thereof where uncertainty seems to exist. It is pointed out that this is not a clear case of annexation nor has a colony been formed but an entity has been set up of which the exact nature and relation to the Kingdom of Italy will have to be defined by subsequent administration acts. The analogy of Great Britain and India is alluded to and in certain [Page 228] unofficial circles reference is made as to the possibility of invoking the analogy in order to facilitate League action. More definite explanations are not yet available.
In the course of a conversation at the Foreign Office I was informed of the telegram sent to Italian missions abroad instructing that the respective governments be handed copies of the Royal Decree approved May 9th with certain oral explanations. I gathered that, contrary to the conjectures circulating in diplomatic circles, there is no thought of attempting to obtain any “recognition” on the part of foreign states of the situation created, but a responsible official of the Ministry volunteered the statement that it was hoped that “friendly governments would take cognizance of the situation” described in the Royal Decree. Whether, however, foreign governments may be confronted with some special circumstance involving a decision as to the recognition of the title of Emperor conferred on the King of Italy has apparently been given little thought as yet at the Ministry.
Suvich this morning told me that from their reports the reactions in England and France were not very gratifying. He expressed great interest in the views that might be expressed in the United States and spoke with enthusiasm of the recent statement89 of Ambassador Long which has been published here. Mussolini also, at the Palazzo Venezia on Saturday evening, conveyed to the Military Attaché to this Embassy his appreciation of the Ambassador’s statement and I have learned that he thanked the representatives of non-sanctionist governments whom he received on that occasion (see my 144, May 10, 10 a.m.) for the attitude of their governments during the conflict.
In general the members of the Italian Government and the people are at present outspoken in protestations of friendship for the United States and are eagerly awaiting some indication of America’s attitude. They naturally hope that this attitude will be favorable. The neutral policy of the United States Government is commended editorially and appreciated in Italy and there is the further hope here that the development of that policy in the face of recent events will not render more difficult the efforts towards the settlement of a conflict which, irrespective of considerations of justice in the cause itself, Italy is now attempting to regularize and eliminate as a menace to world peace. I am convinced, however, that whenever it may be found necessary or advisable for the United States to disclose an attitude, and whatever that attitude may be or whether it is openly expressed or conveyed by implication, it cannot but be recognized here that the Government of the United States in reaching its decisions is adopting its own independent course of action irrespective of the policies of other governments.
[Page 229]I shall appreciate any advices which in the meanwhile the Department may be in a position to forward to me for my confidential information and guidance.