740.00119 European War 1939/242: Telegram

The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State

71. For Welles.1 I learn from Kirk2 that Attolico, Italian Ambassador Berlin, has called upon him to tell him of a recent conversation which the President had with Colonna3 during which the President, among other things, emphasized in particular the change of attitude in the United States towards Italy and the part which neutral countries might play in the interests of peace. Attolico added that he assumed Ciano4 had discussed it with me. It seems clear, therefore, that the Italian Government regards this conversation as of sufficient importance to circularize it among its representatives in third countries.

You will appreciate, I know, that it would have been helpful if I had been advised of this conversation but perhaps it is not too late even now to authorize me to refer to it sympathetically when I see Ciano.

Phillips
  1. Sumner Welles, Under Secretary of State.
  2. Alexander C. Kirk, Chargé in Germany.
  3. Ascanio dei principi Colonna, Italian Ambassador in the United States.
  4. Galeazzo Ciano, Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs.