868.00/3–1648
The Secretary of State to the Chairman (Vandenberg) of the Foreign Relations Committee, United States Senate
My Dear Senator Vandenberg: During the hearing yesterday on the proposed aid for Greece and Turkey, the question was asked me, [Page 62] “Should Italy fall under Communist control, what would be the effect on the European Recovery Program generally, and what would be the effect on Greece and Turkey, particularly in relation to the proposed aid program?”
Knowing the spirit and feeling of the Italian people, I cannot believe that in a free and fair election the Italian people would abandon their liberties and vote in favor of a régime controlled by the Italian Communist Party which has openly declared its opposition to the European Recovery Program, and therefore to the American aid which is to make that recovery possible. Should the Italian Communists seize power in Italy by illegal means, this would create a situation seriously affecting the security of the United States and it would compel a reexamination of all of our recovery programs and the entire European situation.
I feel that we cannot afford to postpone action upon the Greek and Turkish program pending the outcome of the struggle now taking place in Italy. On the contrary, we must make clear to the Greek people that they have our support in their heroic efforts to maintain their independence. Also we must demonstrate to the Turkish people that they, too, can continue to depend upon our assistance.
Faithfully yours,