840.50 Recovery/7–447: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
2963. For the Ambassador. Pls express to Bevin gratitude for views and info given ur 3668 July 4. We share his concern for French position, and agree as to importance of French stability.
In this connection, you shd say to Bevin we are somewhat disturbed by apparent lack FonOff appreciation of present Ital situation. Far from requiring pressure to participate in European plan, Italy was one of first countries to indicate acceptance of Brit–French invitation, and Ital public opinion is so thoroughly behind plan that Ital Communists have found it expedient give their conditional endorsement Ital participation. Principal question which arises re Italy is similar to that suggested by Bevin re France namely need of some further immediate support. Ital political situation is roughly analogous to that in France, with added elements of danger in that moderate leftists have thus far been hesitant support present Govt fully in face determined Communist opposition and Ital needs for interim assistance are perhaps most critical of all European countries.
As we see it, there is urgent need in Italy of economic and moral support not only of US but of all Western powers if stability there is to be maintained until anticipated benefits from overall European plan can be felt. We are convinced that unless present Govt meets with success in its efforts to stop further deterioration Ital situation, both political and economic, there will be no way to prevent Communist rise to power in spring elections, with all of the serious consequences which this would entail, if indeed they do not take advantage before that time of growing difficulties to return to Govt in dominant position.
We recognize that certain fiscal and social reforms are just as necessary as foreign economic assistance for betterment general conditions of mass Ital people. De Gasperi1 appears aware of need for these measures, however, and with adoption effective governmental program this nature we are hopeful moderate leftists, particularly Republicans and Saragat Socialists, will support him and perhaps eventually agree enter Govt on broader coalition basis.
We want to emphasize, however, that support of Western powers must be made plainly evident to Ital people if any democratic Ital Govt is to have reasonable opportunity to prove itself.
- Alcide de Gasperi, Prime Minister of Italy.↩