500.A15A4/2606: Telegram
The Chargé in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16—4:25 p.m.]
256. From Wilson. Kirk and I had a conversation with Suvich98 this afternoon in which I outlined our objectives. Suvich raised certain points of doubt as to the advantages of a special treaty on production and traffic of arms but did not explicitly repudiate the idea. He stated that he would have to discuss it further before deciding what instructions would be given to their representatives at the Bureau.
This morning I talked to Aloisi, Soragna99 and others and received a much more definitely negative impression, so much so that before seeing Suvich I was under the impression that a definite Government decision had been taken against the participation in such a treaty. Since my talk with Suvich I am inclined to think that the military services and the subordinate officials of the Foreign Office are opposed to participating in a treaty but that a definite decision has not yet been reached by the Chief of State.
I am also inclined to think that the utmost we can hope for will be a passive attitude on the part of Italy at the Bureau meeting thus permitting the subject to be taken up in commission. We will be fortunate if they do not enter definite objection.
I am seeing Suvich again this evening and of course will do my utmost to convince him.
Even in the event that I find that we may expect definite opposition from Italy I shall continue under the assumption unless you instruct me to the contrary that you desire me to advocate strongly in the Bureau the adoption of our thesis.
Repeated to delegation, Geneva, and the Embassy, London, for Mr. Davis. [Wilson.]