865.00/1757½
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to President Roosevelt82
Dear Mr. President: On my return to Rome I found that the scene had changed considerably and is still changing. There was more emphasis placed on the Rome-Berlin axis and the press campaign against England and France was being resumed with all its customary vituperation. And now more recently, the United States is coming in for unfavorable notice, although as yet without the bitter criticism bestowed upon the British and French, and certainly without the bitterness of our own press against Italy. Happily, the Italian press is not allowed to carry American criticisms and I do not believe, therefore, that anyone except those at the top have any idea of the anti-Mussolini attitude of our press. During the last two or three days the only news from America found in the Italian papers is a reference to your toothache, and this makes sad reading for all your friends.
The principal event, of course, since my return has been the three-cornered Anti-Comintern Pact.83 For days after its signature by Italy, the press sang its praises and those of the Japanese Government and people to such an extent that one became nauseated.
I have, of course, taken the occasion to call upon Count Ciano for an explanation of the affair, and have reported everything that I could gather to the Department. Every sort of oral assurance has been given me that the Pact has no ulterior motives and is merely an official expression of the well-known anti-communist sentiments of the three Governments. But I am far from convinced. The Rome-Berlin axis began in the same way, with the repeated assurances in similar vein, but nevertheless it has grown into a strong alliance between the two Governments. I repeat the word “Governments” because I cannot discover any enthusiasm outside of Government circles for this close tie-up with Germany at the expense, apparently, of good relations with other Powers. Italians do not like Germans, nor do Germans like Italians. But people here are suppressing their own personal feelings and are willingly obeying instructions from above to shout and hurrah whenever an official German appears in their midst, and we are having a continuous stream of such personages. It seems clear that Italy’s signature to the Pact was obtained by pressure from Germany, acting presumably at the request of Japan, and that the Duce was reluctant to sign. However, now that the deed has been done, official circles are enthusiastic.
[Page 157]As I have also reported to the Department, Ciano has given me new assurances with regard to Italy’s attitude towards Spain. He has declared emphatically that the Spanish people would, not permit the alienation to any foreign Power of “one inch of Spanish territory”, and that if any Spanish Government attempted to do so it would be its death blow. He has also assured me that Italy does not ask for any favored position, political or economic, in Spain, although at the same time he added that it would be pleasant to have some cash recompense for the Italian efforts in Spain.
There is no doubt in my mind that they would like to be well out of the Spanish imbroglio for already there are certain distress signals appearing on the horizon. Prices are rising rapidly, especially that of coal. For example, a year ago the authorized price of a medium quality was one hundred fifty-three lire a ton; now the authorized price is two hundred fifty lire, and the purchasing price is, of course, even higher. Food and even bread are becoming dearer, and it is to be remembered that the masses are desperately poor. Although still in whispers, complaints are heard quite generally against a continuance of the Spanish campaign, and unless the Italian troops can soon be withdrawn I think there will be outspoken dissatisfaction. The extent of the present dissatisfaction is exceedingly difficult to discover, but I am asking a member of the Embassy staff to go to Genoa and Milan for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not in those two industrial centers there is anything of importance to learn in this respect.
I did not fail to inform Count Ciano of the extent of the jittery feeling in America with regard to European affairs and that the continual reference here in high circles to the importance of armament and military might is making a thoroughly bad impression. But Ciano seems elated at his new German and Japanese entente and does not show any particular interest with regard to the attitude of America. On the other hand, in conversation with another member of the Government, I discovered real concern.
I realize that this letter contains nothing new to you but it is always a pleasure to talk to you and I know you will allow me to do so from time to time.
With every good wish for your success in your Congressional program, which I am following with intense interest,
Sincerely yours,