740.0011 European War 1939/8836: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:46 p.m.]
317. My 300, March 3, 5 p.m.41 From same reliable source comes following information. Mussolini was in Tirana last Sunday for conference with Cavallero42 regarding Italian counter-offensive against Greece which Duce desires to launch on big scale shortly. Cavallero assured Duce he would carry out whatever orders were given him, but pointed out there were three things Mussolini must consider before reaching decision: (1) Italian artillery consisting chiefly of old guns is not equal to that of enemy. Even new guns are inferior to Greek Army’s which, moreover, are now placed in highly advantageous positions; (2) Italian Air Force has not been able gain command of air; (3) Italian Army is staging “passive revolt” and simply does not wish to fight. Army would obey orders but there was not the will to fight—so necessary for successful offensive.
At end of conference Mussolini was still determined to proceed with counter-offensive.
Informant said Duce was opposed to German plan to withhold large-scale military action against Greece while endeavoring force Greeks through politico-diplomatic pressure to accept Axis domination. Duce insists upon military success and is determined settle war against Greece with victory in field.
[Page 659]Continuing, informant said neither army nor people have ever wanted war, not because of any particular affection for England, but because of realization that owing to policies of regime, four centuries of gradual progress towards real independence for Italy have been wiped out. It is realized Italy is back again in tragic position of having to call in the foreigner to save herself and no matter who wins European war, Italy has lost her war. Informant concluded by saying although country was not on verge of revolution there was increasing bitterness between army and party and between people and party. If England could hold out and if France should eventually resume struggle at side of Britain, Italian Army would one day rise up, this time with real will to fight in effort to throw off German domination of their country.