762.65/751: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Phillips ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 4—3:57 p.m.]
438. During a brief conversation with Ciano78 this afternoon outside of the Foreign Office he mentioned that the purpose of his recent visit to Berlin was largely informatory. He expressed the opinion that the real crisis of the war was upon us this week. He did not give me any idea of the nature of the peace proposals which Hitler will make in his forthcoming Reichstag speech but he hoped that when made they would receive considered attention and would not be abruptly turned down by the British and French Governments or by their press. He added that if the peace proposals should be rejected and the real war begun, the horrors that would be unleashed would be beyond description. He mentioned under his breath certain terrible devices which would be employed by the Germans. In reply to my inquiry as to Italy’s position he seemed satisfied that the position already taken would be maintained indefinitely. He said furthermore that the German Government fully understood Italy’s attitude in this respect.
- Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩