865.4016/108: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Italy (Reed)
122. Your despatch 1142 of November 10th and your telegram 354 of December 1, 11 a.m. We are greatly concerned at what appears to be a misunderstanding possibly on your part and certainly on that of Gotlieb of this Government’s attitude toward the Italian anti-Jewish measures in so far as they affect American citizens or American consular offices. (See Department’s telegrams 110, November 8, 5 p.m., and 114, November 18, 7 p.m.)
With regard to the step which Gotlieb has already taken on his own initiative we fear that this may be construed by the Italian authorities as an indication that the American Government is willing to agree to and to accept as warranted discriminations undertaken by a foreign government between American nationals because of their race or creed. He should certainly take no further action nor should you. The principle of recognizing no distinction between American nationals on the basis of race or creed is fundamental and one on which there can be no compromise.
We also feel that it would be a mistake to admit, even inferentially, that the anti-Jewish measures apply to diplomatic or consular offices of the American Government. Unless you have already done so, please refrain from submitting a list of employees of the American Government classified according to their religious or racial affiliations, a distinction which this Government will always decline to take into consideration in their employment.
Please satisfy yourself that our general attitude is understood by all consular offices in Italy.