760C.62/873: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19—9:25 a.m.]
1197. Personal for the Acting Secretary. The following information has I know been telegraphed to Sir Roland Lindsay39 and may be known to you. It seems to me however too important to take any chance.
Pressed by the British Ambassador at Berlin to make Great Britain’s determination clear to Mussolini, the Italian Ambassador there, who is shortly to see Mussolini, emphasized (a) that Italy is bound hand and foot to Germany; (b) the position of both sides being clear, the British and Italian Governments must work together for peace; (c) Great Britain must realize that Hitler is not to be intimidated by the peace front. He feels humiliated by having to watch its negotiations and would not wait indefinitely. The Italian Ambassador further asked, speaking privately, whether if approached by Mussolini the Prime Minister would feel able to make a move in conjunction with him.
Lord Halifax is returning to London on Monday and I have an appointment to see him.
- British Ambassador in the United States.↩