762.65/671: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 9—3:55 p.m.]
304. Ciano informed me this afternoon that he was leaving tomorrow for Germany and would spend 2 days with Von Ribbentrop in Salzburg. (He has informed one of my diplomatic colleagues that his visit was in response to an invitation from Von Ribbentrop.) He was uncertain whether he would see Hitler. I reminded him of a conversation which we had had following the signature of the Rome-Berlin alliance during which I had expressed my hope that the first part of the agreement notably that dealing with “consultation” was more important than the military clauses which followed. Ciano replied that he well remembered our conversation and that the 2 days in Salzburg would give him the opportunity which the consultation clauses afforded. The Minister added that he remained optimistic with regard to the European situation because of the “will to improve matters”. He said that he would like to see me as soon as he returned to Rome when he hoped to be able to give me some reassuring message which I could transmit to you.