Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Western Europe and Canada, Volume XXVII

112. Telegram From the Embassy in Italy to the Department of State¹

Rome, July 6, 1956— 7 p.m.

84. Reference: Embtel 66.² Agreed Togliatti–Nenni plan to permit formal “dissolution” of PCI–PSI unity of action pact (alleged in report contained in reftel) would appear entirely possible as next step in development Social-Communist situation here since Togliatti 1) may think PCI situation now bad enough to prevent party from attempting broad front maneuver Moscow appears to want for considerable period; 2) may believe PCI needs cover and assistance PSI could provide it if it got into government. Togliatti might, moreover, feel that for reasons of Nenni’s ambition,PSI situation and Moscow’s wishes he would be unable in long run to hold Nenni within “unity of action” framework. He might thus prefer to agree on largely spurious break (which would avoid serious conflict between parties) while PCI’s other means of control over PSI (money, press, filo-Communists inside PSI) were still intact.

In considering this possibility, however, Dept may wish to note following subsequent developments:

1. Statement of PSI directorate (published July 6) concerning “new internal and world situation” appears to have filo-Communist character which Embassy noted in Nenni July 1 and Fenoaltea July 4 Avanti editorials (Embtel 63).³ Like them statement contains criticism of PSDI and European social democracy in general and sees no more than limited action which can be undertaken in common with them until they move substantially into PSI position.

On face of it, at least, PSI directorate statement would appear to reflect intervention of filo-Communist wing of PSI leadership and through it PCI reluctance to see PSI undertake major initiative at present time.

2. Voce Repubblicana July 6 reports PSI directorate circles say that Rome edition of Avanti will be discontinued. This hypothetical development was reported as unattributed rumor last week by several radical-party-connected publications. They alleged that financial reasons would be cited as motive but that in fact move was designed by Nenni as way of breaking hold of Vecchietti and other filo-Communist PSI apparat members over PSI press.

We cite these facts to show that clarification of PSI situation and of Nenni’s intentions must await further developments or at least further information.

We believe, however, we should accept maneuver of sort described in reftel as distinct possibility, should try now to think through its possible consequences and steps which we should undertake in this connection.

Jernegan

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 765.00/7–656. Secret. Repeated to London, Paris, Moscow, and Belgrade.
2. In telegram 66 from Rome, July 5, the Embassy cited an unconfirmed report that Nenni and Togliatti had dissolved their unity of action pact and agreed to present separate lists of candidates in elections. (Ibid., 765.00/7–556)
3. Not printed. (Ibid., 765.00/7–556)