793.94 Conference/135: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 29—4:10 p.m.]
460. Embassy’s telegram 454, October 25, 6 p.m.38 In conversation with Count Ciano39 this afternoon he denied the recent press reports that he was considering going to Brussels for the Nine Power Conference. It was not impossible, however, that he might go later should this seem desirable. In reply to my inquiry as to his attitude with regard to the Conference, he expressed the opinion that if the powers could succeed in bringing about conversations between Nanking and Tokyo it would be helpful but he added that in doing so the Conference should take a realistic view of the actual situation. The Conference might, he thought, induce Japan to put forward minimum demands.
Repeated to Brussels.