File No. 763.72111/5
The Chargé d’Affaires in Italy (Jay) to the Secretary of State
Rome, August 2, 1914, 11 a.m.
[Received August 3, 6 p.m.]
[Telegram]
At Foreign Office this morning I was informed officially that Italy will remain neutral. The reason given is that her obligations only require her to support her allies for defense and not for aggression, also that she was not previously consulted by Austria. A Cabinet council was held last night and fully approved policy of Minister for Foreign Affairs. It is reported that exports of flour, meats, and other foods are to be prohibited. The Government by decree of yesterday ordered all stock exchanges in Italy closed until further notice. No popular excitement here as yet.