IPM MIN-3/1
October 1, 1951
CONVERATIONS WITH THE ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER
FINAL SECTION of Minutes of the Third Meeting Held in Room 5106 New State, 4:00 p.m. September 25, 1951
Present Mr. Acheson (U.S.) Mr. DeGasperi (Italy)
Also Present U.S. Italy Mr. Perkins Ambassador Tarchiani Ambassador Dunn Ambassador Zoppi Mr. Martin Minister Janelli Mr. Byington Mr. Luciolli Mr. Greene Mr. Sensi Mr. White Mr. Venturini Mr. Chistensen Miss Kirkpatrick
NOTE: Due to security considerations this final portion of the minutes of the 4:00 p.m. meeting of September 25 is being distributed separately. The first portion of the minutes was issued as IPM MIN-3.
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Common Action Against Communism
THE SECRETARY said that this topic was closely related to the discussions of the previous day. He stressed that a stronger basis for an appeal to the youth must be created than merely that of anti-communism. He said the United States Government would like to examine the problem of common action from time to time, and he therefore expressed the hope that the Prime Minster would appoint a representative with whom Ambassador Dunn could work closely on this problem. THE SECRETARY suggested that one step which might be taken was that of barring Communists from ports through which U.S. materials move as had been done in Leghorn. This same action might also be extended to industrial plants where US orders are placed and where the Communists may create trouble. THE SECRETARY expressed the realization that such action would not be easy but said that if it could be taken, it would be extremely helpful. He referred to this as an example of the problems that the Ambassador could discuss with a special representative of the Prime Minster. He said it would not always be easy, and it must be done quietly and with the cooperation of anti-communist labor. He concluded that there would be two advantages in taking such action. First of all, it would help protect operations and plants against sabotage and second, it would demonstrate to the Italian people that there were advantages in not being a Communist. THE PRIME MINISTER said he was ready to cooperate, and that the exclusion of the Communists from the port at Leghorn was one example of what can be done despite the difficulties involved in such action. THE SECRETARY replied that despite the difficulties this action had been most effective. THE PRIME MINISTER referred to the appointment by the French and Italian Governments of officials to coordinate activities as the Secretary had proposed be done with the United States. He said that the Italian Government can be very firm if it has to. If U.S. orders for production are placed in Italy providing work for Italian labor, it would be possible to take the recommended steps as has already been done in the jet engine plants at Fiat.
THE PRIME MINISTER said it was also a psychological question, a question of presentation that must be handled properly. For example, the release in Paris of news on the declaration of France, the United Kingdom and the United States on the Peace Treaty had been bad because it put emphasis on the rearmament aspects of Treaty revision rather than on political aspects. He said that this would play directly into the hands of Togliatti and the other Communists. THE PRIME MINISTER stated that he would continue to emphasis that revision of the Italian Peace Treaty mean primarily more work for the Italians and not simply rearmament.
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THE PRIME MINISTER then referred briefly again to the question of emigration and asked whether it was possible for the United States to make arrangements for temporary emigration of Italians into the United States. THE SECRETARY said that this was not possible under present law and AMBASSADOR TARCHIANI agreed that it would be most difficult to secure special legislation permitting such temporary emigration.
THE PRIME MINISTER suggested that Italy and the United States continue to study the problem of common action against Communism, and he said his government may come forward with specific proposals. He concluded that the West must take the initiative in such things as had the Communists in organizing the Berlin Festival. THE SECRETARY said that what was really needed was a better idea than the Berlin Festival which would effectively combat Communism.
THE PRIME MINISTER said that he had received information that it is being said in Trieste that elections there will be held the first week in December and he warned of the consequences that this rumor might create. THE SECRETARY assured him that the elections had been postponed but that the situation would be investigated.
Following a brief discussion of what information should be released to the press, the meeting was adjourned.