Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1938, The British Commonwealth, Europe, Near East, and Africa, Volume II

760F.62/877: Telegram

The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State

[Extract]

Rome, September 18, 1938—noon.
[Received September 18—9:40 a.m.]

252. …

Discussing the Jewish aspect of racial policy Mussolini declared³⁵ the regime’s policy had been determined by the irreconcilable hostility of international Jewry toward Fascism during the past 16 years despite the regime’s tolerance. Italian Jews who had undisputed civil and military merits vis-à-vis Italy and the regime would encounter understanding and justice; to the others would be applied a policy of separation. The world would ultimately have to admire the firmness and generosity of Italian policy unless the Jews at home and abroad and their many unexpected friends forced a sudden revision.

Phillips

35. Speech of September 18, 1938, at Trieste on the international situation.