File No. 763.72/2541
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10.30 p. m.]
2068. The foreign editor of the Times, a usually well-informed and trustworthy man, who knows all the principal European statesmen, is just returned from a week in France. He tells me in strictest confidence that England, France, and Russia made a bargain with Italy on April 30, agreeing to cede to Italy very large parts of Austrian territory, some of which has a Slavic population, if Italy comes into the war within a month. This was done without consulting Servia and against her wishes. Italy will soon come in if she keeps her agreement, to be followed by Roumania. I have heard unofficial confirmation of this agreement here. The same editor informs me that General Joffre told him that he is confident that he would break through the German lines within a month....