DEPARTMENT OF STATE
 
WASHINGTON
 
 
September 30, 1940
 
 
 
My dear Mr. President:
 
 
In response to your memorandum of September 28
attached to a letter from Alexander Kirk in Berlin 
I am enclosing herewith draft of proposed reply to 
Mr. Kirk. However, it has seemed necessary to transfer 
Mr. Kirk from Berlin to Rome. Mr. Phillips, failure 
to return to his post and the resignation of the
present Counselor in Rome have indicated the wisdom
of utilizing the former experience and the abilities
of Kirk by assigning him as Charge d'Affaires in Rome.
Mr. Kirk has reluctantly accepted the charge. He is 
now coming to the United States on orders for consultation 
and is expected to return almost immediately to assume 
his duties in Rome. Under the circumstances you may
 
 
wish.
 
 
The President,
 
 
The White House.