May 21 11am
(handwritten)
D[ra]ft: tel[egram] from the Prime Minister
to St. Salandia to be sent when the formal adhesion of Italy to the Declaration
of Sept 5th is published (en clair).
(typed)
At this great moment, I desire to express to Your Excellency the happiness
felt by H. M. Government and by the people of Great Britain that the long
standing friendship between our two countries has ripened into a more
intimate relationship.
The Italian people have always stood for freedom and for the great ideals
of humanity, and today we rejoice in their decision to participate in
the struggle, which the nations upholding these ideals are waging to preserve
them from utter destruction.
Now that the will of the Italian people has been so clearly expressed,
I know that the valour of the Italian Army and Navy will make the achievement
of final victory more speedy and more sure.
We are proud that Italy has joined the Allies and that the decision has
been taken under Your Excellency's auspices.
(handwritten)
I think this excellent telegram might be sent
when war is declared.
E.G.
21 MAY 1915.
(handwritten)
E.D. Prime Minister approves. Send in his memo
when the proper moment arrives.
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