124.84/146: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 5—8:55 a.m.]
93. Your No. 30, March 4, 3 p.m. I informed Count Ciano that we would not now issue any formal statement and he expressed satisfaction.
In view of the reference contained in the last paragraph of your 29, March 4, 4 p.m.,8 to the effect that after the closing of the Consulate at Addis Ababa questions relating to American interests will be taken up through the Embassy at Rome, it occurs to me that possibly you might care to consider the inclusion of some representations against reference in any information which may be given out by the Department. In this connection I hope that any impression that the British are in any way to be responsible for the protection of our interests in Ethiopia may be avoided.