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

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

Rome, October 25, 1955— 11 a.m.

1415. For the Secretary and Ambassador Luce. Reference Embtels 1390 and 1391, October 23.² Analysis of conversations by Secretary with Ital officials, as well as evidence from both official and press sources available at present time show that Secretary’s visit to Rome was great success and will have important effect in strengthening center government in meeting criticism of its opponents.

Following conclusions may be drawn of results of visit:

1. Judging from accounts in pro-government press, Secretary’s visit gave Ital nation exactly what it needed, namely a sense of importance. Press has uniformly commented on timing of visit, coming on eve of conferences in Paris and Geneva, and concludes that Secretary wished to consult with Ital leaders and to obtain their advice prior to making important European decisions. Secretary’s remarks at airport about Italy being one of the great powers with which US desires to maintain closest relationship has been widely quoted and may offset impression that Italy is consistently treated as second-rate power. Full coverage on press, radio and TV has assured that majority of Ital population knows the details of Secretary’s visit and his consultations with Gronchi, Segni, Saragat and Martino. Particular comment has been given to fact that Martino accompanied Secretary to Paris in order to continue consultations begun in Rome.

2. Secretary’s visit will be of great benefit to present government since it established fact of consultation. Repeated remarks made by the Secretary in this regard have been widely quoted, visit will add to the stature of the Segni government. However, great hopes have been aroused for future and questions have been raised concerning establishment of system of “permanent consultation”. Visit also did a great deal to offset effects of Nenni trip to Russia and China,³ although it must be noted in this connection that prior to Secretary’s arrival Nenni arranged appointments with Martino and Gronchi to explain his point of view and his recommendations for Ital foreign policy.

3. Visit provided opportunity for clarification of US policy objectives, particularly in defining precisely so-called “spirit of Geneva” which has been utilized by each political current in Italy to further their own ends. Secretary’s clear exposition, particularly at Quirinale Conference, will help Segni and Martino in formulating their own policy and in maintaining what press hails as “complete identity of views” between two governments. As may be noted in record of conversations, differences of opinion exist within Ital Government, particularly between Presidency and Cabinet on problems of European security and German reunification. It may be assumed that in view of exposition of US objectives these differences may be reconciled in spite of drive by left to popularize Soviet position on reunification and European security.

4. Secretary’s visit afforded Segni government excellent opportunity to assure Ital population officially that Ital foreign policy remains unchanged despite all pressures towards neutralism and a weakening of commitments to West. Point has been particularly stressed that only alternative to continued collaboration with US is dissolution of the democratic order.

Despite success of Secretary’s trip and the discussions, several questions remain unsolved and will present Itals with certain difficulties.

1. Ital entry into UN. Government officials realize that public aspects of this problem are more important than any substantive results which might be derived from her admission to UN. It is a matter of pure and basic national prestige. Embassy does not believe Itals were pleased with Secretary’s position re package deal or use of veto to prevent entry of other states prior to Italy. Latent fear still exists that, by some maneuver, Austria will be admitted and Italy vetoed. This would be taken as a national defeat and would provide the forces of neutralism with a powerful weapon to attack the government.

2. Drive for international prestige. Points raised by Segni on Italy’s role in the Mediterranean and Middle East illustrate an important drive within government circles to obtain for Italy a large share in determination of diplomatic action. Fact that question was raised was not to show Secretary what steps Italy had taken to support his proposals made on August 26, as this had already been done, but to make a bid for participation in any future steps which may be taken in this area. Embassy regards this move as related to all the other maneuvers by the Ital Government to obtain international prestige and a voice in major decisions.

Immediately prior to Secretary’s visit, semi-official publication Esteri outlined Ital diplomatic objectives as follows: first, simultaneous solution of the problem of German unification, creation of European security system and international control of armaments; secondly, elimination of international tension by solution of outstanding international problems; thirdly, stabilization of armaments at present level pending adoption of program for reduction of armaments; fourthly, rapid economic integration of Europe.

Secretary will recall that all of these points were raised in one form or another during discussions. This program of the Ital Government does not present any startling development but, in our view, is a bid to follow-up the actual discussions in Rome to establish a system of continuous consultation with Ital Government. In Embassy’s viewpoint some provision will have to be worked out in this regard, starting particularly with disarmament discussions in the UN.

Press summaries concerning Secretary’s visit will follow by separate wire.

Jernegan

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 110.11–DU/10–2555. Secret. Repeated to Paris.
2. Document 89 and supra.
3. In telegram 1349 from Rome, October 20, Luce reported Nenni’s return to Italy on October 19. Nenni stated that the purpose of his trip was to normalize relations with China and improve relations with Russia. He criticized the Italian Government for not improving ties with both countries. (Department of State,EUR Files: Lot 59 D 233, Italy 1952–1955)