852.00/5661: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 7—4:55 p.m.]
267. My 266, June 6, noon.6 The newspapers this afternoon publish a statement inspired by official sources to the effect that Ciano has given the British Ambassador the Italian reply to the proposals. After summarizing the British proposals and specifying that they refer to the four powers exercising naval surveillance, the statement says that Italy and Germany have accepted the proposals in principle but ask that the third point which is weak be strengthened by reserving the right for any power attacked to take appropriate measures directly and independently of consultation with the other three countries.
The British Embassy confirms this description of the Italian reply and states that the impression given is generally favorable. The third point will, however, require clarification as the Italians have not made clear exactly what is meant by the “right to take appropriate measures” and it is hoped that will include only the legitimate right of self-defense and not extend to reprisals.
The Embassy has also learned in confidence that the Italian reply paraphrases the German answer to the British note and it is apparent that the Italians followed the German lead.
- Not printed.↩