840.50 Recovery/4–1548: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State
1768. For IBD. One-hour Hollywood platter [sic] show which broadcast over RAI Red Network Tuesday April 13 (remytel 1700, April 13)1 at 2100–2200 was popular success.
Italians all walks life generally liked program because of spontaneity of tone, cordiality, and because expressions goodwill and friendship by Hollywood big names for Italians. Radio station said received numerous phone calls completion broadcast stating had greatly enjoyed it. President National Association Families of Fallen and Mutilated Aviators expressed great appreciation adding families pilots extremely moved.
Because of informal character program and popular music listeners found it “very American in spirit” although some pointed out only novel aspect program was representation. Some mild objections voiced “obvious buttering up” of Italian listeners. This attributed fact program “obviously broadcast this time for electioneering purposes,” others contrarily stating “great delicacy and restraint shown in avoiding controversial issues”. Another criticism was there too much self-praise although some references generous American aid were deleted together with Star Spangled Banner finale.
Flattering to Italians was effort made by Crosby, Pidgeon, Shore, others, to speak Italian. While Italo-Americans expected know some Italian listeners generally both surprised pleased that stars took time rehearse few lines.
[Page 876]Since broadcast announced campaign raise funds being initiated US, USIS would like be kept informed on progress registered.
- The reference is incorrect. Rome’s telegram 1700 of April 13, not printed, refers to letters of intent preliminary to a bilateral ERP agreement (840.50 Recovery/4–1348).↩