Rogers, Alan S., Rome. To G.S. Messersmith, Washington.
Date
1938-12-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
p. 4 autograph. Passed Messersmith's message to Baron Egon Berger-Waldenegg; he is grateful for Messersmith's efforts in his behalf; his prospects bright, though unable yet to find employment; among Italian friends impression is that "Mussolini has sold himself down the river to our friends up North;"an Italian friend in Foreign Office said, "We did not have a Jewish problem in Italy until the government decided to create one"; U.S. is Public Enemy No. 1 with Italian government; government expelling American press correspondents; Frank Smothers, of Chicago Daily News,expelled and Don Minifie was asked to leave voluntarily, only because he told the truth in his reports; perhaps U.S. should retaliate with Italian correspondents in America; for the first time Italian people are not solidly behind Mussolini; general dissatisfaction over solidarity of the Axis and the racial problem; Mussolini has done well in the field of Italian internal affairs, but is now aging and has had to delegate some authority, not all of it wisely; people about him are vain, ambitious, and self-seeking; U.S. should continue its "Hard-boiled" line; since beginning letter, orders for Minifie's expulsion have been rescinded; Ciano's speech of November 30 bears careful reading;seems to suggest coming pressure on France.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.