840.20/1–549: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Acting Secretary of State
38. I had conversations yesterday with both the Prime Minister1 and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.2 They are very anxious that the position of Italy with regard to western defense arrangements be understood in Washington. They are both determined, as has been evidenced by their progressive campaign during last few months, to have Italy included in either Brussels or Atlantic pacts. They are basing their program here in Italy on attainment of peace and security for the country and in their view there is neither peace nor security for this land unless they are tied in with western defense. They are having a little difficulty, however, with Saragat3 and as they both said to me yesterday, they consider the continuation of the coalition government here of primary importance to the unification of the country and to the carrying out of the progressive and constructive program De Gasperi has promised the country.
Saragat, as Department probably aware, is inherently a timid man and in times of crises seems to lack the courage to take a definite position. [Page 8] He is, however, an inherently good man; he is sincerely patriotic and is the strongest link to Labor the government has. De Gasperi feels that it is therefore extremely important to have Saragat willing go along with the orientation toward the west. The Prime Minister feels that there is no question about Saragat’s ultimate decision to go along but that he must be given a little time and that time is worth waiting in order to have Saragat himself fully convinced of the necessity to take a definite move now. Saragat’s trouble seems to be that he does not feel assured that it is necessary at present time to take such a definite act as joining with western arrangements.
Count Sforza read to me portions of a memorandum he is drafting to forward through Tarchiani4 giving a full exposition of Italy’s position. He said this should be considered the first step toward asking to join definitely in the western defense arrangement. Both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister hoped very much Italy’s international position and her internal cabinet difficulties would be sympathetically understood in Washington; that their sincerity would be given full credit and a favorable reply could be made to their forthcoming approach.
I would be grateful if the sense of this message were not conveyed to anyone, particularly to the Italian Embassy, as Italian Government expects to deal with this subject through Tarchiani but will most likely keep me informed of development from time to time.