865.4016/96: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 9—2:11 p.m.]
327. Department’s telegram 110, November 8, 5 p.m. Note delivered this afternoon. In addition I have explained to Ciano orally our position and the fundamental principle of the American Government in making no distinction between different classes of our nationals. My impression is that the Minister himself is disposed to do as much as he can to facilitate matters for American Jews resident in Italy and to prevent their treatment from becoming a cause of friction between our two Governments. He asked me to take up the matter with him personally on my return from leave and hopes, I am confident, to handle the individual cases in a sympathetic manner although I am doubtful whether he is in a position to change the [Page 600] policy of the Italian Government as already publicly announced and as expressed in its note to me of October 17.