File No. 763.72/6856

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Salvador ( Long)

[Telegram]

Your telegram February 27, 11 a.m.1 Department received from Salvadoran Legation copy of note handed by Salvadoran Government [Page 331] to Italian Government, stating that upon entry of the United States into the war Salvador had informed her of a “friendly neutrality,” and was prepared to permit American armed vessels to use her waters; that Italy being an ally of United States, Salvador was pleased to grant to her the same privilege.

The Department has no information of this nature in its files and does not understand “friendly neutrality,” nor whether the United States can use the Salvadoran waters for naval purposes and Italy use them only for armed merchantmen. Investigate and cable status of the United States-Salvadoran neutrality.

Lansing
  1. Ante, p. 235.