865D.01/193
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs (Murray)
The Italian Ambassador called on me by appointment on October 30 in the following connection:
[Page 250]Mr. Suvich said that at the time of Germany’s recognition of Italian conquest of Ethiopia he had noticed certain comment in the American press to the effect that Germany’s action need not and would not constitute in any way a precedent for similar action by this Government. The press comment went on to say, however, that Latin-American countries would undoubtedly be guided by the viewpoint in this matter of the American Government.
The Ambassador desired to inquire informally whether any “understanding” existed between this Government and the governments of Latin-America with respect to the recognition of the Italian conquest. He added that his Government hoped that a question of this kind would be decided independently by the various countries of this hemisphere.
In reply I remarked to the Ambassador that speculation by news writers in the American press should not of course be taken as necessarily reflecting authoritative opinion. Furthermore, that the press report itself appears to have commented only on the alleged viewpoint of Latin-American countries in this matter and did not purport to interpret this Government’s views. As regards any “understanding” on this subject between this Government and other governments of Latin-America, referred to by the Ambassador, I stated that I was not aware of any such development and was sure that none existed.