711.00 Statement July 16, 1937/1b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Italy (Phillips)
135. Department’s circular telegram July 17, 2 p.m. You are requested to call on Ciano and explain the following:
On July 16, 1937, I made a declaration containing certain general principles of polity. This statement was prepared in the hope that, if other governments should approve the principles of this declaration as the norm for international relations, a constructive step would have been taken towards revitalizing and strengthening international morals and international law.
Please make it clear that I have no wish to press the Italian Government in this matter but since it is our intention to make known publicly the response to this statement and since it will be difficult to withhold more than a few days longer publication of at least a first installment of the replies which have thus far been received, the Italian Government may wish to indicate its attitude so that its reply may be included with the views of other governments.
You are requested, moreover, if the Italian Government replies, to telegraph the text to the Department at once.