711.662/89: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 24—3:40 p.m.]
180. Department’s instruction 56, of March 17. The Director General of Commercial Affairs in the Foreign Office has informed me this morning that after giving very careful study to the redraft of article VIII of the proposed treaty of commerce the Italian authorities have reached the conclusion that it is impossible for them to resume discussions in regard thereto until the paragraph relating to exchange can be received and the article considered as a whole. It was also said that it would likewise be preferable to have the American suggestions regarding remaining articles of the proposed treaty.
The Foreign Office emphasized that it was anxious to expedite the treaty negotiations and therefore hoped it would be possible to receive these texts as soon as possible.