765.84/4512

The Chargé in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

No. 1685

Sir: With reference to my telegram No. 147 of May 11th, paragraph 3, I have the honor to submit herewith translations of news items in the Italian press of May 9th and 12th reporting interviews granted to the Universal Service and the Vienna Echo by Ambassador Long with reference to Italy. The Popolo di Roma of May 13th conspicuously published a photograph of the Ambassador on its front page.

Respectfully yours,

Alexander Kirk
[Enclosure]

Translations of Reports in the Italian Press of Interviews of Ambassador Long

Press of May 9, 1936:

Washington, May 8th p.m.—The American Ambassador to Rome, Long, has granted an interview to the Universal Service in which he said he was convinced of the rapid and complete pacification of Ethiopia by Italian soldiers and colonists.

After affirming that the fertile soil of the Ethiopian highlands would give Italy valuable crops, Long said that his three years in Rome had convinced him that Italy had absolute need of colonies.

As to Italo-American relations, Long said: “The longstanding friendship between the two countries has been cemented by American neutrality in the Ethiopian affair. Italian cordiality toward the United States is not merely the expression of official circles but is also a matter of feeling.”

Press of May 13, 1936:

Vienna, May 12th: The Echo publishes an interview granted to its American correspondent by the American Ambassador to Rome, Breckinridge Long, at present in the United States.

The Ambassador expressed himself in terms of the highest recognition for the courage demonstrated by the Italian people toward the war and sanctions.

“Life in Italy,” he said, “has changed much less than people insist on believing in various places abroad. The spirit of the country has not been shaken in the slightest. Even Mussolini personally has [Page 236] never been in the least affected by the tension of the international situation. Mussolini never doubted that he would issue forth victorious, and he has won all along the line.

“Not only is the campaign in Abyssinia virtually over, but the diplomatic struggle at Geneva is decided. Fascism has enforced its will. There are no factors of any kind that can break that will. This victory has the value of a new guarantee for peace in Europe.

“Four months ago it indeed seemed that there were dangers of war everywhere. Now, however, the situation is cleared up and a relaxation of tension has therefore taken place. In my opinion there can no longer be any immediate possibility of war now that Italy can devote her full attention to the European situation.”

The Ambassador said that there could be no doubt as to Italian sympathies for Austria, and the correspondent further receives from the conversation the impression that even American diplomacy is in a position to appreciate the importance of the problem of Austrian independence.