Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Eastern Europe; Soviet Union; Eastern Mediterranean, Volume VIII

750G.00/7–254: Telegram

No. 217
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy¹

top secret
priority

Washington, July 2, 1954.

25. Re report Ambassador’s meeting with Scelba June 26² and regardless possibility Scelba may have been motivated by tactical reasons believe his ideas hold out hope for new constructive period in Italy’s policies toward, and relations with, US and West. Take first opportunity deliver orally message along following lines to Foreign Minister with aide-mémoire for transmittal to Scelba.³

Begin Message. The Secretary has been profoundly impressed by the views and plans Prime Minister communicated to Ambassador Luce on June 26 and gratified by his positive assurances on that occasion. Secretary wishes Scelba to know we are pleased at this constructive approach not only to common problems that are facing us but to the revitalization of Italian leadership among the free European powers. The time table Scelba has suggested for settlement of the Trieste problem as well as for favorable action on EDC and SOF ratification and agreement on establishment of base facilities is particularly encouraging as an indication of Italian intentions.

The Secretary has been led therefore to hope that the Italian Ambassador in London will be given the requisite authority to permit him to reach promptly, with the US and UK representatives, an agreement of character that will make possible a speedy settlement of the Trieste issue. For our part Scelba may be assured that we will do everything consistent with our role in the matter to assist in achieving an acceptable solution. End Message.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Freund, William E. Knight, and Merchant; cleared with Jones, Hooker, and Barbour; and repeated for information to London (for Thompson), Paris (for Satterthwaite), Belgrade, and USPolAd Trieste.
2. See footnote 2, Document 213.
3. In telegram 55 from Rome, July 5, Chargé Durbrow reported that he was able to see Piccioni that morning in order to carry out the instructions in this telegram. Piccioni had said he would transmit the aide-mémoire to Scelba and had expressed the hope that Scelba could carry out the suggested timetable. (750G.00/7–554)