852.00/2684: Telegram
The Chargé in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19—9:14 a.m.]
338. Foreign Office officials to whose attention the Associated Press despatch of last night regarding aid from Italy to “Spanish Fascists” was brought this morning state that this information is not correct and that the Italian Government is not planning to intervene in the Spanish conflict. These officials still show great concern over the situation in Spain and emphasize the difficulties from the point of view of the Italian Government in arriving at an agreement as a declaration of “non-intervention” (see my 336, August 18, 5 p.m.).
[Page 498]In addition to the general rumors of aviation activities near Genoa and in Sardinia as mentioned in my 320 of August 8, 1 p.m. and despatch number 1835 of August 14,55 reports are now circulating to the effect that Italian seaplanes are being conditioned at the base of Orbetello but there is no information available as to any special purpose for which these planes may be intended.
- Despatch not printed.↩