740.0011 European War 1939/26914/7: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 1—10 a.m.]
445. My telegram No. 437, May 31, 2 p.m.43 Ciano sent for me at 12:15 p.m. and conveyed to me orally Mussolini’s reply to the President’s message contained in your 154, May 30, 6 p.m. Mussolini confirmed the statements which Ciano made to me yesterday and mentioned in particular that the decision had already been taken to enter the war. He does not agree with the point taken by the President with regard to the interests of the United States in the Mediterranean and maintains that the United States has the same interest in that area as Italy has, for example, in the Caribbean Sea.
With regard to the President’s statement that Italian participation in the war would result in the redoubling of our efforts to help the Allies, Mussolini says that he has no objection and that that is our business. This proves to him, however, that America is actually giving help to the Allies and has already “chosen the Allied side”. He on his part has his own engagements under the alliance with Germany which he desires to fulfill. He does not believe, however, that Italian intervention in the war will necessitate an enlargement of the conflict in the Mediterranean. At any rate that is not the Italian aim and Italy will do her best to prevent it.
Ciano concluded his statement by saying that Mussolini prefers not to receive “any further pressure” which I was advised “would only stiffen his attitude”. Ciano added that Mussolini knows already the President’s mind and the President undoubtedly is now aware of Mussolini’s mind.
- Not printed.↩