Conversation between Reich Foreign Minister and the Duce, 14 May 1941 

No. 511 67/47153-54; 67/47156; 67/47169; 67/47160; 67/47162-65; 67/47167; 67/47169-76; 67/47178

Memorandum by an Official of the Foreign Minister's Secretariat

RAM 31                                                                                                               

FUSCHL, May 14, 1941.

RECORD OF THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE REICH FOREIGN MINISTER AND THE DUCE IN THE PRESENCE OF COUNT CIANO IN THE PALAZZO VENEZIA ON MAY 13, 1941

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The Foreign Minister replied that Germany was just then trying to influence Turkey in this direction. The conditions were favorable in so far as Turkey had no interest in letting large numbers of English troops assemble in Iraq, so that Germany hoped to be able to bring the Turks to her side. A certain improvement in the attitude of the Turkish press was already noticeable. [a sign for a new paragraph was inserted here.] In the further course of the conversation the Foreign Minister spoke of a big propaganda campaign contemplated in the British Empire under the slogan that Germany [The word scored through was deleted. The words "the Axis" were inserted.] would support the liberation of all peoples oppressed by the English.  He mentioned in this connection the presence of the Indian nationalist leader, Bose, in Germany - a piece of news that the Duce received with surprise and great interest. [The words "The Duce expressed his agreement with such a line of propaganda" were inserted. See document No. 257]

In conclusion the Foreign Minister outlined the plans by which he wished to put Bose in charge of Indian propaganda, and he stressed the fact that no difference must be allowed to arise between Bose and Gandhi. Gandhi had, moreover, written a very good article recently that was directed against the English.

The Duce mentioned in conclusion in this connection that Italy was in touch with the Fakir of Ipi and was trying, through large gifts of money, to win him, as well as the Grand Mufti, to work along pro-Axis lines. [See document No. 300, footnote 3.] Even if these operations were not very extensive, they would nevertheless make many unpleasant difficulties for the English.

In parting, the possibility was kept open of holding another conversation the next morning shortly before the return flight of the Foreign Minister. [The words "The tone of the conversation was especially cordial" were inserted. For the subsequent conversation, see document No. 513.]

SCHMIDT

From: US Department of State. Documents on German Foreign Policy, 1918-1945. Series D (1937-1945). Vol. XII. The War Years June 23-December 11, 1941. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1964, 797, 805-806.