126. Telegram From the Embassy in Italy to the Department of State1
3722. Vice President Nixon and party departed Rome 2 p.m. March 18 after three day unofficial visit which Embassy believes highly successful both from public relations standpoint and in giving leading Italian officials satisfying opportunity for exchange views.2 This reflected in press as well as conversations with Italian officials during and after visit.
Occasion particularly valuable in connection long-standing Italian desire be considered one of major Western powers entitled to consultation on major international events. Point was not lost that this was only European stop in trip dedicated to African affairs, since feeling is strong that for geographic and historic reasons Italy has significant role to play in development of neighbor continent.
Despatch follows.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 033.1100–NI/3–1957. Limited Official Use. Also sent to Tunis.↩
- Vice President Nixon visited Italy March 16–18 on his return from a trip to Africa. In telegram 3399 to Rome, February 20, the Department indicated that the visit was to be an informal courtesy call by Nixon on Italian officials. (Ibid., 033.1100–NI/2–2257) In telegram 3447 to Rome, February 23, the Department instructed the Embassy that the Vice President did not expect to raise substantive issues with the Italians. (Ibid.) In telegram 3664 to Rome March 12, the Department stated that Nixon had been instructed to indicate to Saragat U.S. confidence in him and in his party. (Ibid., 033.1100–NI/3–1257) In telegram 3691 from Rome, March 18, Zellerbach informed the Department that Nixon had spoken to Saragat along the suggested lines and that Saragat had seemed pleased by the attention. (Ibid., 033.1100–NI/3–1857)↩
- Infra.↩