Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Western Europe, Volume VII, Part 2

214. Telegram From the Embassy in Italy to the Department of State⁰

Rome, July 20, 1958, 10 p.m.

229. For Elbrick from Ambassador. Fanfani has sent word to Embassy today thru Manzini that he anxious visit US this month for brief consultations with President and Secretary. He would especially like exchange views with latter but would not regard trip as worthwhile unless he could also “at least shake hands” with President, [2 lines of source text not declassified]. Fanfani would like to fly US July 26–27 and would have to be back in Rome by July 31 at latest. Says he will go anywhere in US to meet President.

Having squeaked thru vote of confidence yesterday Fanfani feels he is in for rough time and will need all help he can get. (Manzini cited particularly opposition within GOI to base facilities accorded on Fanfani’s responsibility in support US Middle East operations and danger of angry reaction from Left to his strong attack on Communists in Chamber speech yesterday.) Most effective help he believes would be early meeting with President and Secretary, even if largely pro forma.

Embassy does not have impression this represents effort on Fanfani’s part merely to make good on somewhat exaggerated idea he gave in Chamber speech of Secretary’s message contained Deptel 252.¹ That message he intentionally used out of context for whatever political advantage it might afford him on confidence vote (I have received numerous congratulations on timing Secretary’s invitation from viewpoint its impact on Chamber debate); that aim having been achieved DC Party paper today showed no hesitation in front-paging Department’s clarifying statement tying invitation to possible GA session.

While aware difficult problems created by extreme demands on President and Secretary, as well as by sensitivity other Allies, believe Fanfani’s position would in fact be significantly strengthened by such visit at this time. Believe also this request should not be regarded as routine since: (1) Fanfani PriMin as well as FonMin; (2) Govt he is heading as well as Parliament to which it responsible both new and embarking on vitally important period during which relations US will be key issue; (3) Itals have legitimate special interest in Mediterranean as current area of conflict. Also believe high-level talks with Itals overdue and doubt if other principal Allies could find legitimate ground for complaint if Fanfani’s request granted. Therefore urge early favorable response foregoing request.²

[1 paragraph (7–1/2 lines of source text) not declassified]

Zellerbach

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 765.13/7–2058. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution.
1. In telegram 252 to Rome, July 18, Dulles invited Fanfani to attend a possible special emergency session of the United Nations on the situation in Lebanon. The Secretary added that he “would welcome the opportunity to exchange views with you if you also found it possible to be present.” (Ibid., 765.13/7–1858)
2. In telegram 328 to Rome, July 22, Secretary Dulles directed Ambassador Zellerbach to inform Fanfani that “the President and I will welcome a visit by him to Washington,” and that the President would give a luncheon for him. (Ibid., 033.6511/7–2258)