500.A15a3/1469: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Garrett ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 28—12:56 p.m.]
45. This morning when he was speaking about the difficulties that have arisen over the naval agreement Grandi was more exasperated than I have ever before seen him. He has already explained to the Parliament and to the Italian people his view that an agreement was definitely reached. He considers that it is not at all within the competence of the London drafting committee to attempt to change the agreement or to bring in new matter. He even let himself go so far as to use the words “gamblers” and “perjurers”, and remarked that he could not help saying that it had become evident to him that he was not dealing with gentlemen. He stated that as far as he was personally concerned he had fought against great odds for this agreement and that he felt sure he would have to resign if his Government should now again give way. That the Easter holidays might somehow or other have a good effect seemed to be his only hope.
No other mission has received the foregoing.