April 26, 1940
I am replying without delay to your letter of April 22, handed to me on the 24th by your Ambassador at Rome.
Allow me, first of all, to say that I find the whole reason for your letter to be unjustified, namely the telegram in which I wished victory to the German Army. This fact should not surprise you and should not make you forget that Italy is and intends to remain politically and militarily the ally of Germany, according to the treaty of May 1939, a treaty which Italy—like all nations which uphold their honor—intends to respect.
Your remarks on the relations between democracy and Fascism and on the necessity of a European balance of power require a long discussion which is impossible to have here.
At a certain point in your letter it seems you are presenting the possibility of us meeting. I am sorry to have to decline such a proposition, and it will not be difficult for you, Mr. President, to understand the reason.
Accept, Excellency, the expression of my consideration.
MUSSOLINI
