875.6363/181: Telegram
The Chargé in Albania (Kodding) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:22 p.m.]
27. Department’s telegraphic instruction 13, March 2d. Mr. Sheffield advises me confidentially that he has reported to Standard Oil Company that most practical course would be to regard the petroleum situation as an accomplished fact and to proceed to investigate whether it would be desirable to make further proposals.
Rumors persist and have reached both Sheffield and the Legation, although without verification, that the Italians have already formed an agreement with Anglo-Persian. It is said that the terms include Italy’s insistence that an oil district be granted to her, which would [Page 500] then be exploited jointly with Anglo-Persian. The frank attitude of the Italian Legation toward this mission has been altered since the granting of the Anglo-Persian concession.
Copy to Rome and to European Information Center.