701.0065/7–544: Telegram
The Consul at Naples (Brandt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:15 p.m.]
349. From Kirk. Italian press yesterday reported that on a visit to Rome the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Visconti Venosta received calls from representatives of five neutral Governments and it is understood that some American correspondents have interpreted these calls as establishing normal diplomatic relations between Italy and the neutral states. Acting Chief Commissioner ACC55 has now informed me that word has been received from Visconti Venosta that he regrets publicity given to calls which were informal and at request of neutral representatives. Under Secretary explained to representatives that he was in Rome for two days merely to organize his Ministry, that he could not discuss political matters with them and that all such discussions must take place through channel of ACC. He asked that this explanation be brought to early attention of the Allied Governments.
Repeated Algiers. [Kirk.]
- Capt. Ellery W. Stone, USNR.↩