ADSS 1.164 Valeri to Maglione: time running out

ADSS 1.164 Valerio Valeri, France, to Luigi Maglione, Sec State.

Reference: Telegram number 126; (AES 5878/39)

Location and date: Paris, 31.08.1939

Summary statement: Public opinion believes next 48 hours will be decisive.  A delay of 15 days would help.  Perhaps Franco could help.

Language: Italian

Text:

After Polish mobilisation political circles here believe the next forty-eight hours will be decisive. (1)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (2) tells me that it would be providential if the parties in conflict accepted a delay of ten or fifteen days to try and find a solution.

He mentioned to me the possibility of the intervention of His Holiness and General Franco.  Perhaps if the Holy Father did not think it opportune to intervene, he could influence Franco.

Notes: 

(1) The order for General Mobilisation in Poland was given the day before, 30.08.1939.

(2) Georges Bonnet (1889-1957), French Foreign Minister 1938-39.