William Phillips to Woodrow Wilson

I read to the Italian Ambassador the letter which you received from Professor RH Dabney regarding Lieutenant Roselli. The Ambassador said that the reason for the return of Roselli to Italy was not because he had offended any Americans but because of the urgent need of the Italian Government for officers in the army in view of the great numbers that have been killed during the last month.

The Ambassador said, however, that in view of your interest in the matter he would gladly take all responsibilty and would to-day telegraph Roselli permission to remain in this country two weeks longer in order that he may carry out his speaking program in Chicago, Buffalo and a few other places as requested by Professor Dabney.

With assurances of respect, etc., I am, my dear Mr. President,