852.00/6526: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 22—2:15 p.m.]
1331. The Foreign Office is gratified at Italy’s willingness to send a naval officer here to discuss with French and British experts the modification of the Nyon arrangement so as to permit Italy to participate. They hope that these discussions may begin at an early date perhaps the first part of next week.
The basis for modifying the arrangement is found in paragraph 4, subparagraph 3, which contemplates revision of the zones and their allocation in the event of any change in the situation. Any agreement reached with Italy will have to be approved by all the signatories of the Nyon arrangement. The Foreign Office remarked that it was still possible that difficulties would be encountered but they were hopeful of overcoming them “if the present good spirit continues”.
Copies to London, Rome, Geneva.