893.01/12–749: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 7—5:46 p. m.]
3991. We informed Director General [of] Political Affairs substance Deptel 3082, December 2. He stated that Italian Government was being pressed by British Ambassador here for definitive reply to British memorandum of November l.69 He understood that Portugal had now made up its mind to join with British in recognition along with other countries and that French would not be far behind. He said Government felt it could not postpone replying to British any longer, and was considering a communication which would point out that if UK decided on recognition, Italian Government would have to review its present position. He said Foreign Office did not want Italy to be last Western European country to recognize Communist regime, thus exposing it to further attack by Communists and extreme right for subservience to wishes of US against what seemed to be recognition to protect Italian interests which, while not as important as British, were of importance and included some 1,000 missionaries. In reply to our inquiry whether Vatican was in favor of recognizing regime, he stated that Foreign Office had heard rumors to this effect, but he did not believe Vatican had actually made a decision (infotel airgram November 30, 7 a. m.70).
If UK and other Western European countries proceed with recognition, it would seem that similar action on part Italy foregone conclusion.