by MUSSOLINI when he desired a break. When he has talked to them, he himself has not been able to prevent a rapprochement. Even the population of Turin was cordial toward the guests; applause, though scattered, was not lacking. "Amazing reports of the Japanese naval victories continue to arrive. The military situation, however, in Libya and Russia, is not very good. These are the incredible surprises of this war. December 11, 1941 “Mussolini takes very little interest in the DARLAN conversation. He is occupied with thoughts of war against America. At 14:30 I receive the Charge’ d’Affaires, a nice, rather timid man with whom I have never had much contact. He thinks that I have summoned him in order to discuss the arrest of some journalists but I immediately set him right. He pales as he hears the declaration of war. He says, ‘It is very tragic.’ Then he gives me a personal message from Phillips who, realizing that the zero hour was near, had telegraphed to express his gratitude and extend his good wishes to me. Philipps is a fine man, and he loves Italy; I am sure that this is a sad day for him. “Mussolini spoke from the balcony. A short and cutting speech which fell upon a square overflowing with people. Demonstration showed much pro-Japanese sympathy; the news of the naval victories has excited the imagination of the