February 28, 1949
CONVERSATION WITH SENATORS CONNALLY, GEORGE, AND VANDENBERG
Mr. Hickerson and I discussed with the Senators the question of what, if any, decision should be made at present about admitting Italy to the Atlantic Pact.
The Senators were unanimous in their view that the wisest course at present would be not to have Italy an original signatory. They expressed considerable doubt as to the wisdom of having Italy in the Pact at all. However, they were maintaining an open mind upon this point. They thought that the presence of Italy in the Pact would not be a help in putting it through the Senate, but would probably be a hindrance.
The points that they raised were: First, the difficulty which this raised as to the Pact's regional character; second, the problems which it raised in regard to Greece and Turkey; third, the problem that with Italy in, Tito might be forced closer to relations with Russia.
We agreed that for the present it was necessary to give a favorable answer to Norway and that I should try to keep uncommitted about Italy. They recognized the difficulties of the problem and were most cooperative and helpful.
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