740.0011 European War 1939/2769: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 10—7:22 a.m.]
324. I called on Ciano36 this morning and asked whether the European developments were causing any change in the Italian Government’s [Page 87] position as a non-belligerent. I said that I had not only the responsibility of keeping you accurately advised but also responsibility towards the numerous Americans resident in Italy.
The Minister who had come from Mussolini37 informed me that no change had been decided upon or was under contemplation. While Mussolini desired to carry out his obligations with Germany required by the Italo-German alliance38 no situation had developed which called for the entry of Italy into the war. With regard to the American residents in Italy he was very positive in expressing his opinion that there was no need whatsoever to disturb them. He assured me that he was still hopeful that Italy’s present position could be maintained in the future but he did not attempt to give me any assurance in this regard.
Repeated to London, Paris, Belgrade, Bern.