Cabinet has now approved reply to Hitler [1] and Henderson [2]
leaving immediately for Berlin. As anticipated in my previous
cable [3] Hitler's reply to Daladier [4] is ignored. Understand it
was not contemplated in Berlin that the communications between
Hitler and Daladier could be published. Daladier however gave
substance in interview with French press last night and Berlin
then published full text this morning. A verbatim copy of the
United Kingdom reply is being cabled for your personal information
and I have been specially requested not to summarize or paraphrase
and to stress most secret and confidential as through secret
contact in that quarter [5] which I have referred to and which is
proving most valuable. Hitler has insisted that the United Kingdom
reply must be secret and not published the reason given being that
Hitler desires to consider and to have an opportunity to make
suggestions for modification.

Mussolini [6] and Ciano [7] are doing everything in their power to
find a way out and avert war. Considerable volume of opinion
considers that if war comes Italian participation is by no means
certain and this view is confirmed by telegram today from the
Minister to the Vatican. [8] Some difference of opinion has
existed as to the desirability for strategical reasons of Italy
being involved in the event of war but I understand that the
United Kingdom and French General Staffs have now agreed that it
is preferable if possible to keep her out although this view is
subject to modification in the light of circumstances particularly
the United Kingdom's relations with Italy upon the outbreak of
war.

Parliament called for tomorrow. Arrangement arrived at with Labour
and Liberal Opposition to confine speeches to three leaders and it
is hoped that this will be observed.

BRUCE