840.00/9–1548: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State
3694. Reurtel 2222, August 27, 7 p. m.1 I had a conversation with Prime Minister this morning in which I discussed with him attitude of Italy toward closer integration of Italy with other Western European states. He said that in first place there was no question whatever of neutrality of Italy in present circumstances. There was no choice as far as this country was concerned between East and West. They were already in western group as clearly shown by elections and as far as this present government is concerned, including all its elements, they were entirely with Western states from point of ideology and common objectives of independence and individual liberty.
Mr. De Gasperi said problem for government there was to educate people to necessities of engaging their future with Western powers as there was a very strong effort being made by Communists and filo-Communists elements to combat such a policy. Government has plans [Page 253] for educational work necessary and has already started organizing necessary educational and informational operations.
Prime Minister gave as his own personal opinion in circumstances that best approach from point of view of integration of Italy with Western group was through Paris OEEC organization and he hoped that Ave would give some thought with regard to development and broadening of that organization from a purely economic to a political and defensive group.
- Not printed.↩