711.652/144: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 18—9:27 a.m.]
522. My 521, December 17, 8 p.m.48 At the time of exchange of notes last night the Italian officials expressed the hope that some way might be found to conclude a similar arrangement which would bring into operation the other articles of the proposed commercial treaty which have been tentatively agreed upon in the recent negotiations. They consider that the two Governments are in substantial agreement with respect to nearly all of the proposed treaty provisions and that only the difficulty in connection with the preamble and the use of the Sovereign’s title prevents an early signature.
Accordingly, the Italian Government proposes that discussions be immediately inaugurated looking to the conclusion of a modus vivendi between the Governments of the United States and Italy which would embody as many of the articles of the proposed commercial treaty as the Department would be willing to include. Such an arrangement might take the form of an exchange of notes similar to those signed yesterday and might be operative for a period say of 6 months to be renewable for like periods if in the meanwhile it has not been possible to conclude a formal treaty.
Although it was explained that certain difficulties with respect to American constitutional procedure might arise in connection with such a proposal the Italian authorities, nevertheless, request that it be given careful study and would appreciate an early indication whether the Department would be willing to consider an arrangement of this nature.
- Not printed.↩