763.72/12358: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page ) to the Secretary of State 21
[Received November 28—9:43 p.m.]
2417. Baron Sonnino has spoken to me most earnestly of the reported order to withdraw the American regiment from Italy. Says he can understand the trouble of having a single regiment on detached service but that the good effect of the presence of the American flag is so obvious and the effect of withdrawing even this one regiment may be so unhappy that he hopes very much they will be left. He went quite fully into situation and effect presence of our troops has. He expressed wish that we could send more troops here instead of withdrawing these few. Also expressed importance of Americans being able to see for themselves true situation Adriatic Littoral.
Though as far as anyone in world from wishing United States to get involved in any Balkan questions, I held to [can not?] help conviction that Sonnino is right regarding effect of withdrawal of our troops. Their presence will do more to prevent clashes which may lead to disastrous consequences than any other one thing.
- Forwarded to Colonel House as Department’s telegram No. 105, of Nov. 30, 1918, 7 p.m.↩