865.00/2–2548: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in London
721. For the Ambassador. Dept is repeating for your info Rome’s 543, Feb 7 and 814, Feb 251 giving Amb Dunn’s estimate results Ital elections Apr 18. As you will see therefrom, outlook is none too favorable, [Page 838] but we agree with Dunn balloting will be influenced in large measure by developments intervening weeks.
We also concur US actions will have direct bearing on elections, and will take all feasible steps to evince firm US friendship toward Italy. It is obvious that effect these measures would be greatly enhanced if accompanied by steps showing UK and France also fully support present moderate Ital Govt. We hope therefore UK will take every opportunity during electoral period to join with US and France in demonstrating to Ital people their attachment to West is reciprocated; that real issue faces them in coming elections; and that only truly democratic govt can achieve for them that equality in family of nations and reasonable prosperity which they ardently desire.
Pls discuss this matter with Bevin at early date and impress upon him seriousness with which we regard situation as well as urgency we attach to remedial measures, which have now assumed particular importance in light For propaganda to Italy. You shd say that aside from measures we may be able to take, on which we shall keep FonOff informed, and in addition to steps planned by Fr Govt (Paris’ 1061 Feb 27, rpt London 120)2 it seems to us immediate action shd be taken in connection with presentation Ital views re German economy, transfer to Ital Govt of proceeds German assets in Italy, closer consultation with Ital Govt on CEEC and other matters of general European interest, and admission Italy to Tangier regime without delay. We feel that such measures will further identify Italy under present Govt with western democracies and go far to remove feeling Italian people that Italy occupies indecisive position between East and West.
Another and highly important matter would be Labor Party support of those Ital Socialists opposing Communists. While we admit these groups constitute small minority of all Socialists in Italy, we are nevertheless convinced that rank and file Socialist Party are basically opposed … subservience to Communists, and might well be won away … if Labor Party and FR Socialists were to give wholehearted support to Saragat, Lombardo and other Socialist leaders who are openly fighting Communism.
[Page 839]In conclusion, you may say we wish continuing consultations this subject and are most anxious for any suggestions Bevin may have for further action.
Urtel 7553 indicating Bevin thinking along similar lines received subsequent drafting foregoing and being given further consideration.
Meanwhile also, Bonnet saw Lovett Mar 1 re Ital colonies (point 5 Paris Tel 1061) and urged US support proposed French statement. Lovett indicated appreciation importance issues involved but, in reiterating previous US position against expression US views while four power study problem in process, added maximum we can do is continue consider possibilities.
Sent London 721, rpt Paris 662, Rome 544.
- See footnote 5, p. 835.↩
- This telegram, not printed,
reported that the French were severely shaken by Moscow’s “naked
action” in Czechoslovakia and considered that Finland was already
lost. In Italy they considered the situation touch and go, and
explained that Bidault was planning:
- 1)
- To inform the Italians that they might accredit military and naval attachés in Paris;
- 2)
- To recede to Italy a portion of the Alpine area ceded to France by the Treaty;
- 3)
- To reconstitute an Italian national organization in France favorable to De Gasperi in place of the Communist-dominated “Italia Libera”;
- 4)
- Himself to visit Turin about March 15 to sign the Franco-Italian customs union agreement;
- 5)
- To support Italian trusteeship over its former colonies. (865.00/2–2748)
- Not found in Department of State files.↩