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

While the tension in the international situation seems to have grown more accentuated over night, things are comparatively quiet here. Outside of the calling up of some Air and Naval specialists yesterday, it does not appear, on the surface at least, that any warlike measures are being taken. The leading articles in the newspapers are moderate in tone, but, while they state that Italy will march at the side of Germany, there is no warlike incitation.

It is incontestable that the Italian people have no enthusiasm for participation in a war that would bring Danzig into the German family, but the Milan pact of last May definitely states that 'if one of the contracting parties is involved in hostilities with another Power or Powers the other contracting party will come immediately to its side as ally and support it with all its military forces on land, sea and in the air'. In view of Italy's present attitude, one might feel inclined to ask if it means what it says or if there is not a loophole somewhere. Or, on the other hand, would not Germany's Southern frontier be better preserved by Italian neutrality?

It is now generally accepted here that Ciano's interview with Ribbentrop at Salzburg ten days ago was far from satisfactory to the latter. As a result he was requested to proceed immediately to Berchesgaden to see Hitler with whom he is said to have spent three uncomfortable hours, as Italy was not prepared to go as far as the Fuehrer desired. The latter wanted further clarifications which the Duce alone could give, with the result that on Monday last the Italian Ambassador at Berlin² flew to Berchesgaden with the answer which was again believed to be unsatisfactory. From there he flew direct to Rome. If this is true, and the best informed diplomats here believe it to be so, it may account for the moderation of the Italian press and the calm attitude of the Italian public.

I have just learned that at luncheon yesterday at which one of his sons assisted, the Duce was in exceptional good humour and repeated several times that he held the trump card in his hands and was master of the situation.