500.A19/103: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 29—3:49 p.m.]
252. I read to Count Ciano this afternoon the substance of your telegram No. 92, May 27, 7 p.m. pointing out that the Department considered it unfortunate that some papers had given the impression that the American Government was not receptive to the Duce’s suggestions. [Page 660] Ciano was very gratified by this information. It is evident that Ciano himself was not fully advised by the Duce of the step contemplated in the Simms interview. He admitted frankly that he had only been aware of the proposal in its most general terms and he had had no opportunity to discuss it fully with the Duce which he would do as soon as the latter returned to Rome next week.