865.00/6–546
The Italian Ambassador ( Tarchiani ) to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Byrnes: The results of the Italian elections, though not yet final in their details, induce me to request briefly your kind personal attention.
[Page 889]The elections, notwithstanding the momentous decisions on the institutional form, took place in complete freedom and in the most orderly manner. In spite of the terrible economic situation and huge destructions of the country, Italy has given the clearest evidence of its sense of equilibrium and moderation.
From the polls of our devastated cities and ravaged country areas, the Italian population has unequivocally expressed its faith in the democratic liberties of Western civilization.
The Christian Democratic Party emerged by far the strongest (about 35% of the votes). The Communist Party received about 20% of the votes and is third in the run behind the Socialist Party. This latter has thus proved its strength and its capacity for independence, internal as well as international. The other minor parties of the Center or Right of the Center, have polled about 20% of the total vote.
The formation of a Coalition Government including the three major parties and headed by De Gasperi seems most likely. De Gasperi told me in Rome—last April—that he deemed a solution of the kind the best to frame a new Democratic constitution. You personally know Signor De Gasperi, so that I do not need to stress the significance of his retaining the Premiership, especially in the predominant position given him by the electoral success.
The results of this first election, more encouraging than any other result of the most recent elections in Europe, make me firmly convinced that the new Italian State will develop its democratic institutions in freedom, order and independence.
Naturally, the active friendship of the United States and, above all, the firm stand that you have taken at the Paris Conference in favor of the retention by Italy of the Italian city of Trieste have played a very considerable role in these promising results. And I want to emphasize here that a solution of the Venezia Giulia problem along the ethnic line is vital to democratic developments of the new Italian state.
Italy has given proof of her renewed and full democratic capacity, and has earned the right to be considered a solid factor of Western civilization.
She now looks confidently to the United States of America and to you personally, my dear Mr. Byrnes, for a sound and lasting solution of her problems at the new Paris conference and for assistance in the difficult task of reconstruction and stabilization.
Believe me, with warmest personal regards,
Faithfully yours,