701.6511/1012
The Secretary of State to the Italian Ambassador (Colonna)
Excellency: I have the honor to state that various facts and circumstances have come to the attention of the Government of the United States connecting Admiral Alberto Lais, Naval Attaché of the Royal Italian Embassy, with the commission by certain persons of acts in violation of the laws of the United States.
The President has reached the conclusion that the continued presence of Admiral Lais as Naval Attaché of the Embassy would no longer be agreeable to this Government.
The President has directed me, therefore, to notify Your Excellency that Admiral Lais is persona non grata to this Government as Naval Attaché of the Royal Italian Embassy at Washington, and to request that Your Excellency’s Government withdraw him immediately from the United States.
The Royal Italian Government will no doubt realize that the Government of the United States has, in view of all the circumstances, no alternative course.
Accept [etc.]