Italy, 1973–1976
374. Memorandum From the Counselor (Sonnenfeldt) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Sonnenfeldt discussed the effects of a recent statement by Schmidt on Italy.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 5, Italy—Sensitive—July 1976. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for urgent action. Telegram 11592 from Rome, July 19, is ibid. Kissinger initialed his approval of both recommendations. On July 16, Schmidt stated that the FRG, France, the UK, and the United States had “agreed not to extend economic aid to Italy if Communists are included in the Italian Cabinet.” (“Schmidt Says Aid to Italy is Linked to Politics,” New York Times, July 17, p. 5) Although no record of such talks at Puerto Rico was found, handwritten notes of a July 8 meeting in Paris among Sonnenfeldt and French, FRG, and UK officials indicate that they discussed a paper on Italy that would serve as a “basis for parallel interventions.” In a July 14 memorandum to Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt described the dispatch of FRG officials to Italy for discussions. (National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 5, Italy—Sensitive—July 1976)
375. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft discussed the success of the covert action program in Italy.
Source: National Security Council Files, Ford Intelligence Files, Italy—GRF 1974–1977. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for action. Tabs A and B are attached, but not published. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it, and Ford initialed the memorandum.
376. Memorandum From the Counselor (Sonnenfeldt) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Sonnenfeldt reported a series of talks between Italian leaders and William Scranton.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 5, Italy—Sensitive—July 1976. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Tab A is attached but not published. Notes on Henry Cabot Lodge’s discussions with Italian leaders in Rome indicate that he too assessed the post-election political situation and conveyed the message “that the U.S. often helps its friends, but that it is not part of our traditions to subsidize our enemies. This seemed to register.” (Ibid.) Andreotti announced his new Cabinet on July 29.
377. Memorandum From A. Denis Clift of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)
Summary: Clift reviewed Scowcroft’s September 10 meeting with Sensi.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 8, Italy (7). Secret; Sensitive. Outside System. Sent for information. In a September 9 memorandum to Scowcroft, Yeo reported on his September 3 to 4 discussions with Italian economic officials. (Ibid., Box 8, Italy (8))
378. Backchannel Message WH 61280 / Tohak 26 From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Scowcroft forwarded a memorandum from Simon on the Italian economic situation.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 3, HS Chron, July–Sept. 1976. Secret; Immediate; Eyes Only. From September 15 to 17, Kissinger was in Lusaka, Zambia, for discussions with President Kenneth Kaunda on Rhodesia and Namibia. In telegram Secto 27156 from the Secretary’s Delegation in Lusaka to the Embassy in Rome, September 17, Kissinger instructed Volpe to deliver the proposed message to Andreotti. (Ibid., Box 9, POL 2 Italy)
379. Memorandum From Secretary of the Treasury Simon to President Ford
Summary: Simon reported on Yeo’s discussions in Rome.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 9, POL 2 Italy. Secret. Simon did not sign the memorandum. Yeo visited Rome September 24–25 for discussions with Andreotti. In telegram 239558 to Rome, September 27, the Department forwarded a message for Andreotti from Simon on U.S. encouragement, cooperation, and support for the Italian economic program. (Ibid.) In telegram 243153 to Rome, October 1, the Department forwarded a similar message for Andreotti from Kissinger, encouraging “rapid progress” on “a vigorous program.” (Ibid.)
380. Briefing Memorandum From the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Saunders) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Saunders discussed the implications of the Communist/Christian Democratic accommodation in Italy.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 8, Italy (9). Secret; Noforn. Drafted by Harry Coburn in INR/RWE. In a November 17 memorandum to Scowcroft, Clift reported on a November 13 private and informal meeting between Andreotti and Berlinguer on domestic politics and foreign relations. Clift commented: “To me it is significant in its revelation of the apparent depth and intimacy of the Prime Minister’s consultations with the Head of the PCI—the fact that an ‘historic compromise’ is already taking place.” (Ibid.)
381. Memorandum From Secretary of the Treasury Simon to President Ford
Summary: Simon discussed the forthcoming visit of Andreotti.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC International Economic Affairs Staff Files, Box 2, Country File—Italy. No classification marking. In a November 6 memorandum to Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt reported that Andreotti wanted to visit Washington because he felt “political need for US support as he seeks to put through his economic plans.” Sonnenfeldt favored the visit, but stated: “There is no doubt Andreotti is working with the PCI in Parliament and that the Party is to all intents and purposes becoming a working partner of the Government.” Sonnenfeldt continued, “I would assume this dilemma would have to be faced in any talks with Andreotti and that we would continue to emphasize the political risks.” (National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 3, HS Chron—Official, Oct–Dec 1976 Jan 1977)
382. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Ford, Kissinger, and Andreotti discussed the Italian political and economic situation, energy, and the EC.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memorandum of Conversation, Box 21. Secret; Nodis. The meeting was held in the Oval Office. Andreotti paid an official visit to Washington from December 6 to 7. A memorandum of conversation of Kissinger’s December 6 luncheon with Andreotti, when they discussed Italian politics, French politics, energy, and Mexican politics, is in Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 165, Italy, Chronological Files, 2 January–6 December 1976.