Washington Informed ai Sig. Mussolini's Hopes In Europe Washington, May 1.
The report that Signor Mussolini has assured Mr. William Phillips, United States Ambassador to Rome, that Italy does not intend to modify her status as a non-belligerent for the time being, was confirmed in circles closely connected with the State Department.
The opinion is expressed here that this decision was inspired by Great Britain's measure diverting her merchant vessels from the Mediterranean, and by the fact that Italy is not yet prepared both from a military and' psychological point of view to enter into the conflict at Germany's side, Nevertheless, political and military quarters here believe that Italy's attitude is likely to undergo a change in the near future to comply with Il Duce's own desire and the interests of the Fascists, The impression prevails here that the Italian people, though ready to follow Il Duce, is reluctant to enter into a conflict against the Allies.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.