740.00116 European War 1939/5: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 1—1:35 p.m.]
359. Department’s 86, September 1, 6 a.m.17 The following oral statement was given in reply at 5 p.m. by an official at the Foreign Office:
“Since the Fascist Government after today’s meeting of the Council of Ministers has officially declared and announced ‘that Italy will not take any initiative in military operations’ the possibility which formed the object of the message from the President of the United States dated September 1 is therefore to be excluded as far as concerns Italy.”