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

261. Telegram From the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Murphy) to the Department of State⁰

Rome, December 5, 1959, 6 p.m.

Murto 1. At initial meeting Quirinale 7:30 p.m. December 4 between President Eisenhower and Gronchi, latter outlined following topics for discussion with himself and with Segni during three scheduled meetings: (1) President’s views on eve of Western and East-West Summit meeting; (2) Berlin; (3) East-West competition in economic and ideological fields, particularly meeting needs of underdeveloped countries; (4) European political and economic unification; (5) disarmament and security; (6) military aid; (7) Italian participation in Western and East-West summits; (8) liberalization of dollar trade.

On Berlin¹ Gronchi stressed necessity of West being prepared with fallback positions, primarily to reassure uncommitted opinion. He suggested successive proposals that both sectors be constituted as free city, that there be plebiscite in both sectors and that all-German committee with specific responsibilities be established. President noted we had tried some of these ideas without success and restated firm US determination not be pushed out of Berlin. (President decided not to enter into details of US position.)

Discussion of Italian participation was relatively brief, with President noting that unlike Italy, France, Britain and US had specific responsibilities for Germany and Berlin. On broader matters he saw no reason why there should not be wider consultation, perhaps by setting up special groups such as in case of disarmament.

On aid to underdeveloped countries, both suggested regional organization and agreed OEEC should be used to greatest extent possible. President suggested each country make contribution for which it was best qualified. Italy, for example, could help considerably by providing technical and professional aid in many fields. The President said that when he had discussed this general subject with de Gaulle, the latter had said that French efforts had to be devoted to the French community. Macmillan had answered that Britain had such great responsibilities to the Commonwealth that their possibilities were limited. Adenauer had agreed that the question should be studied on a broader basis.² The President said that the United States had carried a great burden for a very considerable period. We had been glad to do it, particularly since World War II—our country had been least damaged. We had poured 14 billion dollars into Europe. In addition, we had developed the military deterrent of atomic and hydrogen bombs, and the means of carrying them, including missiles. This was a tremendous burden and the President said that the West must now combine to share it, not only in giving aid to underdeveloped countries, but in carrying the rest of the burden. He said that this was a particular responsibility of NATO countries. This was so important that the President even thought it might be worth having a separate conference on these subjects, even though a number of other conferences on other subjects were already being planned.

Gronchi suggested USSR could participate in aid to underdeveloped countries, not by being associated formally with OEEC, but on case-by-case basis in particular countries and situations in which Soviets already had an established interest and in which, by associating our efforts with theirs, we could in effect keep check on what they were doing. President was skeptical regarding Soviet participation, saying they would have to be watched carefully.

On East-West relations, President said he did not believe Soviets had changed basic objective of world domination but had made tactical change seeking diversion of military expenditures in order satisfy demand for consumer goods. Gronchi thought Khrushchev’s visit to US had increased his conviction that this process was necessary. Gronchi said main purpose his visit to USSR in January³ was to explore mind of Khrushchev, especially since changes might have taken place in three months since President saw him. Gronchi said he would give Italy’s allies a summary of his impressions.

Murphy

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.65/12–559. Confidential; Niact.
1. Following Khrushchev’s visit to the United States and the further relaxation of the Soviet ultimatum on Berlin, the French Government on October 21 proposed an East-West summit meeting be held in Paris in the spring. The future status of Berlin was one of the items suggested for the agenda. The Heads of Government of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Federal Republic of Germany agreed to meet in Paris on December 19 to formulate negotiating positions for talks with the Soviet Union.
2. These discussions apparently took place during Eisenhower’s visits to Bonn (August 26–27), London (August 27–September 2), and Paris (September 2–3).
3. The Soviet Government invited Gronchi to pay a State visit to Moscow in October 1959. After extensive discussion within the Italian Government of the domestic and international impact of such a visit, the Soviet invitation was accepted for January 1960. The trip was postponed until February when Gronchi became ill. See Document 265.