Confidential report from Michael MacWhite to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(Confidential)¹

Diplomatic colleagues here regard the international situation as extremely serious today. The signature of the German pact of non aggression with Russia is displayed by the Italian press in large headlines, but there is no comment. The 'Messaggero' in a leading article entitled 'It is therefore war' says the Italian people are proud to have at their head at the moment a Man of Providence to watch over their destinies. It does not even insinuate that Italy would be involved in this war, but it appeals to France and England to realise the consequences of their action in support of Poland before the fatal hour has struck.

During the night the Italian Government has called up the special reservists of the Air and Naval forces and last week a number of classes were mobilised, but so far the order for general mobilisation has not gone out.

Outwardly everything is quiet here, but it would seem as if the staff of the British embassy have packed up. They are apparently only awaiting the signal from London to burn the code books and archives. The French are also ready to leave at a moment's notice.