Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1941, Europe, Volume II

124.68/69

The Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs to the American Embassy in Italy ³²

[Translation]

Note Verbale

The Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the honor to bring to the knowledge of the Embassy of the United States of America that it has been informed that the Government of the Reich has requested the members of the Legation of the United States of America at Athens to leave that city by July 15.

In view of the fact that the city of Athens has passed into Italian hands, the Royal Legation in that city has taken charge of the steps for the departure of the American diplomats.

In connection with the foregoing, the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the honor to inform the Embassy of the United States of America that a civilian plane of the Ala Littoria will be placed at the disposal of the aforesaid diplomats, at their expense, on July 7 or 9, for the journey to Rome.

Rome, July 6, 1941.

[The American Legation in Athens was closed on July 14, 1941; the Consulate at Salonika was closed on July 11, 1941.]

32. Transmitted to the Department by the Ambassador in Italy in his despatch No. 2351, July 8; received July 23.