740.00119 European War 1939/242: Telegram

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

24. For the Ambassador from the Under Secretary. Your 71, January 29, 6 p.m. The President asked me to let you know that in his conference with the Italian Ambassador the President emphasized his satisfaction that public opinion in this country had become markedly more friendly towards Italy because of the fact that Italy had maintained her neutrality during the present European conflict. The President further expressed his hope to the Ambassador that the Italian Government would continue to remain neutral.

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I think it would be entirely appropriate and desirable for you to refer to this friendly conversation in any conference you may have with the Foreign Minister as suggested in the last paragraph of your telegram under reference. [Welles.]

Hull