121.866A/31: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
Rome, February
28, 1940—2 p.m.
[Received February 28—1:14 p.m.]
[Received February 28—1:14 p.m.]
130. For the President from Mr. Taylor.
“Presentation ceremonials concluded yesterday with highest spiritual dignity and human understanding following which I was accorded an entirely private audience with His Holiness lasting upwards of three-quarters of an hour. The principal points in the order of their discussion in the conversation briefly stated are as follows:
- 1.
- That the French and British require continuing security not possible with the present German régime in whose good faith they have no confidence.
- 2.
- That the German people are in fact dissatisfied but so controlled by Gestapo and SS95a and political groups that being unarmed, unorganized, and under constant surveillance, are for the moment powerless.
- 3.
- That the army officers in general in Germany do not favor war but are not now prepared to oppose the political head of the state. If ordered to march would at the moment obey.
- 4.
- That Germany has not sufficient resources to carry on a long war but can do so for a year or more.
- 5.
- That His Holiness is not in contact with Mussolini but his information is that Ciano96 is opposed to war as are the Italian people of all classes and that Mussolini is wavering and undecided. (My own opinion is that Mussolini’s attitude is at least in part that of a trader depending on events to land ultimately on the right side with the greatest concessions to and benefits for his country. There is no doubt that his demands will be substantial in any event.)[”]
Phillips