740.0011 European War 1939/8156: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 6—11:15 a.m.]
167. There is deep concern apparent in Italian circles with regard to the situation of Italian women and children in Italian East Africa [Page 342] now unable to leave the country. This fear will presumably become acute with advance of British forces and probable native uprisings. In the circumstances it occurs to me that it would be in line with our tradition and would at the same time be a highly important gesture for us to make at this moment if, acting on my own initiative and yet with your approval, I could discuss the situation at the Foreign Office intimating that we might be able to be of assistance in evacuating the women and children. Already I have heard it said that the Japanese might undertake this task. In event that Italian Government should welcome my suggestion we should of course have to explore the possibility of chartering a vessel immediately available in those waters.