840.20/10–2548: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy
2652. For Amb from Hickerson. Ur 4097 Oct 25.1 Upon his return to Rome, Tarchiani stated Ital Govt still desired join any defense arrangement worked out bet European powers and US; that Govt was endeavoring combat neutrality sentiment recently grown up in Italy, well as contentions Italy must hold back until satisfaction granted on colonies and treaty revision; and that De Gasperi and Sforza were looking to US for guidance in matter, as Itals had feeling Western Union powers not enthusiastic re Ital participation.
In reply, I told him we considered Italy natural and desirable member of Western group, as he was assured by Secy last May, but Ital Govt must make up its own mind whether it wished adhere any Western defense arrangement. If decision in affirmative, it seemed wise Western European powers be informed thereof informally and confidentially so as to clarify doubts which had arisen re Ital attitude and remove impression Itals endeavoring make eventual adherence conditional upon satisfaction claims re colonies and treaty revision.
Sent Rome 2652 rptd Paris for Secy as tel 4174 ref Martel 82 Oct. 25.1 [Hickerson.]