893.01/12–149: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 1—9:05 a. m.]
3906. Embtel 3460, October 29. Director General [of] Political Affairs informed us Foreign Office has instructed Italian Embassy, Washington, to consult with Department on question recognition Communist regime in China. He states that Foreign Office is now convinced after conversations with British that latter intends to recognize without further delay and have been successful in persuading other Western European governments, such as Netherlands, to take similar action. Italians also believe that French recognition of Communist government not far away.
Guidotti stated Italian Government felt that its recognition of Chinese Communist government might not be unwelcome from US point of view in view of action now to be taken by other European governments. He pointed out that Italy, as a nation without substantial economic or political interests in China, might be useful to US if they established relations with Communist government. He also stated nonrecognition on part of Italian Government would be most difficult to defend against attack from opposition within Italy and in Parliament, since it would not be logical with policy towards Communist government of Soviet Union, nor would it have support of similar action by other Western European governments.