740.0011 European War 1939/6870: Telegram
The Minister in Yugoslavia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:27 p.m.]
546. Discussed this morning with the Prime Minister the possibility of German military cooperation with Italy against Greece and against Yugoslavia. He said that he was certain Germany would take no part in hostilities in the Balkans. I emphasized the following points in the hope of obtaining more comprehensive and detailed information:
- 1.
- Even though Italy might be reluctant for reasons of pride to request German assistance against Greece, can Germany permit the loss of prestige to the Axis which Italy’s apparent military reverses at the hands of a small power would entail?
- 2.
- Is it logical that Germany with hundreds of idle divisions will permit its ally to suffer defeat?
His comments were generalized but were to the following effect: Italy’s hate for Great Britain and France dates from their help to Italy after the defeat at Caporetto in 1917. Germany realizes this. The granting of aid to Italy against Greece might therefore eventually seriously jeopardize the solidarity of the Axis. On the other hand he admitted that Italy is making the Axis appear “ridiculous”.
I hope to be able to telegraph the Department more analytically within the next few days.