865.00/4–2048: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State
1849. Presstel. ReEmbtel 1815 April 17.1 With incomplete returns indicating sweeping CD (Christian Democrat) victory, all but Communist line papers rejoicing April 20. Most interpret results primarily as striking defeat for communism. Minor party papers still claiming successes though returns indicate CD may have attracted much of their following. Liberal Risorgimento Liberate full page headlines “Certain Defeat of Front.” Far rightist Ora d’ Italia headline “No To Stalin!”
All papers claim elections prove political maturity Italian people. Republican Voce Repubblicana says Italian people have discredited detractors who accuse them of having little democratic sense. Adds that if minority ever shows desire impose its will by violence, yesterday’s trial of democracy guarantees it will be suppressed at birth by firmness of government with sure support of great majority of citizens. Christian Democrat Popolo declares elections have definitely opened way to national redemption making possible wider prosperity and greater social justice within framework of new European solidarity. Declares Christian Democrats know how to use victory for perfect political liberty and social justice and they swear to do so. Catholic action Quotidiano declares victory resulted from fact that many minor-party Italians oppose communism above all else, and supported party they considered to combine most effectively opposition to communism and adherence to democracy and Christianity of Italian civilization. Says they could have voted for neo-Fascist groups, if anti-communism had been only consideration. Conservative independent Messaggero lead editorial agrees fundamental factor was opposition to communism. Says PCI abandoned by Russia and since it failed to protest anti-Italian stands taken by Russia on ERP, Trieste and UN, it could count only upon votes of its inscribed members. Says Italy’s votes went more to De Gasperi than to CD Party, and he cannot fail therefore to rise above his party and curb its absolutist tendencies. Says he must represent national vision. Concludes that victory against Communist [Page 878] must not mean and will not mean persecution of anyone and least of all a defeat for laboring classes.
Strongly conservative independent Tempo declares Italian laborers who have defeated Front now ask of government that they no longer be molested in their daily work and that method be found to guarantee recovery without waste of precious common riches in sterile agitations.
Fusion Socialist Avanti and Communist Unità still claim Front success. Former declares “Front in dominant position in country while right braces itself on CD for Senate”.
Unità editorial expresses satisfaction Front has emerged as “great political formation” pointing out that national bloc, PSLI, PRI and Monarchists have won only minor positions. Avanti remarks elections proving small reactionary groups think CD is best weapon to combat “advance of masses”. Attacks government for “shameless compaign of false news” and premature rejoicing over CD victory. Intimates government may intend instigate uprising “with possible foreign backing”, attempting place blame on Front. Other items emphasize governments alleged provocatory campaign. Unità also charges government plotted provocations but says they failed. Both carry five-column headlines accusing CD of electoral cheating. Avanti complains rightist papers allowed publish extra editions April 19, while permission refused fellow traveling Repubblica. CD Popolo replies that Unità in unauthorized April 19 edition falsely accused CD of cheating. Popolo also accuses Front of preparing illegal ballots. Neither side this discussion yet presented proof of large scale dishonesty, and all papers say voting concluded in complete tranquillity.
Independent conservative Messaggero prominently quotes Front leaders as having denied plans for insurrection and promised respect elections’ results. In general, papers accord little space to rumors of possible insurrections.2
- Not printed.↩
- In telegram 1864 of April 21, not printed, Dunn reported: ↩
“With returns in both Senate and Chamber of Deputies voting virtually complete, it appears that CD’s have astonished many and left popular front aghast by obtaining about 48 percent of the total votes cast. Popular Front percentage of about 31 in Senatorial vote and 32 in Chamber vote loses its punch under CD strength . . . .” (865.00/4–2148)