852.2221/1229: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 16—9:35 a.m.]
303. My 297, October 13, 3 p.m. Although it still remains understood that no further steps will be taken toward putting the Anglo-Italian agreement into operation until after Parliament meets early in November, Perth tells me that he has again been discussing the subject with Ciano in the hope that Italy can be persuaded to add something more in the matter of withdrawal of Italian troops and give some assurances with respect to the cessation of aerial bombardments. So far he has been unable to do so and Ciano has told him definitely that the contemplated withdrawal is as far as Italy can go at present.
The British Prime Minister has agreed to submit the situation to the Cabinet sometime this week. Perth himself is of the opinion that the proposed steps represent a “considerable withdrawal” and that the British Government is therefore committed to give recognition to the Empire. Perth gives me the impression that the Cabinet will accept this interpretation and he is hoping that the Prime Minister [Page 249] will authorize him to inform Ciano of the Cabinet’s decision even though there can be no publicity until the discussion in Parliament.
It is announced today that the 10,000 legionaries have embarked at Cadiz to return to Italy.