865.105/3–2448: Telegram
The Chargé in Britain (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
1217. Dennis Healey, head International Department British Labour Party, reported to Watson, sub-head Southern Department Foreign Office, today that he had had conversation with Italian Minister of Interior Pacciardi at Rome, recently, concerning Italian police. Pacciardi stated police is effective fighting unit equipped with all sorts of arms and had had battle training for use in quelling civil disturbances.1 Pacciardi remarked that he hoped US and UK would not press satellite countries, principally Bulgaria, for information regarding para-military organizations those countries with view to accusations of violations of peace treaties. Pacciardi said that even if satellites were violating treaties and accusations proved, it would not bring down the Communist governments of those countries.
Pacciardi feared that if he accused satellites, Soviets would undoubtedly retaliate by making accusations re Italian police.
Foreign Office is rather concerned about this matter and feels that perhaps it would be unwise to press satellites with possibility of Russian retaliation re Italian police.2
Sent Department 1217; repeated Rome 77.
- In telegram 898 of March 2, not printed, Dunn reported that as of March 15, the Italian Army would number about 190,000 which with 75.000 carabinieri would represent an excess of 15,000 over the treaty limit of 250,000 (865.22/3–248).↩
- In telegram 1465 of April 2, not printed, Dunn states that he supported the British view on the unwisdom at this time of protesting para-military establishments in the satellites (865.105/4–248).↩