265. Editorial Note
President Giovanni Gronchi made a State visit to the Soviet Union February 6–11. Gronchi’s visit, the first by a senior Italian official since World War II, was carefully monitored by the Department of State. In telegram 1467 to Moscow, January 6, the Embassy was instructed:
“Department anxious learn all possible details talks between Gronchi and Soviet leaders and whether Enrico Mattei visits Moscow [Page 582] during Gronchi trip. As Embassy Moscow undoubtedly aware Gronchi has capitalized on ambiguity of constitutional restrictions on his powers to play increasingly active role in governmental affairs especially on foreign policy and defense matters. He has long felt more Western initiatives to seek an accommodation with Soviets were needed and seems to believe he is logical person to take active role during this visit at time when pre-summit preparations in progress. Pella will undoubtedly attempt restrict talks to generalities but Gronchi may insist on substantive exchange of views on disarmament, East-West relations in general, aid to less-developed areas, China, and perhaps problems of European Security in general. In past Gronchi has held lukewarm views on importance of NATO defense establishment; has been sympathetic to idea of neutral belt in Central Europe; has advocated more contact with Red China; and has tried to convince successive governments to undertake greater diplomatic initiatives and to insist on greater role for Italy in international affairs. If Moscow requires further details, Rome should provide.” (Department of State, Central Files, 765.11/1–660)
The Gronchi visit resulted in agreements to expand cultural and economic relations between the Soviet Union and Italy together with Soviet promises to cooperate with the Italian Red Cross efforts to determine the fate of thousands of Italian prisoners of war missing in the Soviet Union since World War II. In private discussions with Soviet Premier Khrushchev, Gronchi made a “vigorous defense” of Western positions on Berlin and German reunification. Gronchi’s suggestions that the Soviet Union cooperate in an Italian plan for assisting underdeveloped nations were rejected. (Telegram 2133 from Rome, February 13; ibid., 765.11/2–1360) Khrushchev’s February 8 comments at a Kremlin reception on “Italy’s war role” in aiding the German invasion of the Soviet Union and on its “relatively weak international position” angered Italian officials and offended Italian public opinion, Ambassador Zellerbach reported. The net effect was to damage the arguments of those advocating closer cooperation with the Socialist and Communist Parties. (Telegram 2851 from Rome, February 11; ibid., 765.11/2–1160)