865.00/2129: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
1332. In conversation with the British Ambassador1 he told me that Guariglia had called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs2 about a week before Mussolini’s resignation and had remarked that Italy was “finished.” On a second visit to Numan after his appointment as Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Guariglia said Italy did not fear Great Britain or the U.S. but was concerned about complete occupation by the Germans. Numan suggested to Hugessen that he inform London of the foregoing which the Ambassador has done3 but has received no reply.
[Page 532]Hugessen also told me that Numan had stated to him that in his talk with Guariglia prior to his departure for Rome the latter had neither suggested nor even intimated that Italy desired Turk mediation.