308. Editorial Note
In a September 12 memorandum to Schlesinger and Bundy, Komer reported:
“My impression from my talks with Embassy Rome is that we are moving toward consensus on the matter of enhancing the split between the Italian left Socialists and Communists. Ambassador Reinhardt claims that any remaining differences are essentially those of timing rather than viewpoint. Although I wouldn’t put it quite this strongly, my brief talks with Reinhardt, Horsey, and Baker (the political officer following the left parties) convince me they’re a good deal less negative than before.”
He concluded:
“All in all, I’m convinced that the WH effort to stir up movement on this front over the last six months has been most useful. We have made progress in getting State and CIA to look forward instead of backward on what is essentially a question of opportunities versus risks. To me, the translation of Italy’s economic miracle into meaningful political and social terms is essential to future Italian political stability, and to the final disappearance of a serious threat from the extremist left. These potential gains far outweigh the risks of undermining the center party or encouraging a neutralist trend. Such fears were legitimate in the late Forties and early Fifties, but I just can’t give them the same weight in the prosperous Italy of today. Moreover, what price neutralism in a country which is the most enthusiastic exponent of the European idea because it has the most to gain.” (Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Italy)