852.00/8121: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 20—3:35 p.m.]
153. My No. 144, June 13, 7 p.m.77 Lord Perth informed me yesterday that he had received instructions again to take up with Count Ciano questions arising out of the Spanish situation. Without giving me any details he did not give me the impression that he was particularly optimistic with regard to the outcome. He added, however, that he would on his own initiative, which I presume was also under instructions, make every effort to induce the Italian Government to recommend a truce between the warring factions. He seemed to feel that this was not an impossible accomplishment in view of the growing dislike throughout Italy of the continued Italian participation and also to the increasing strain on Italy’s financial and economic positions. Perth has seen Ciano today but inasmuch as the Duce is out of town he does not expect to receive a reply for several days.
- Not printed.↩