CFM Files
Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Southern European Affairs (Dowling)17
I hope the suggestion contained in General Smith’s telegram of a revision clause in the Italian treaty will be given the fullest consideration. While its practical value may be questioned, as any one power could presumably hold up a revision indefinitely, there can be no doubt that inclusion of the clause would make the treaty more palatable to the Italians. Even more encouraging to them would be the knowledge that it was being included at the initiative of the United States.
A recent military intelligence report quotes the Italian Communist leader, Togliatti, as saying that it will be almost impossible to eradicate the pro-American bias of the Italians. I believe he is right, and that the Italian Communists will have as little success in this direction as did the fascist regime. The present “anti-American” feeling among Italians is essentially a proof of their strong pro-American sentiments; it is not that the Italians blame us for what they consider unduly harsh peace terms, but that they are disappointed and perhaps a little angry at what they look upon as indifference to Italy on the part of the United States, whose friendship they most desire and in fact felt they had achieved. If we are willing to admit with them that perhaps the terms are a little harsh, even though they are the best they can expect under the circumstances, and will continue to give them evidence from time to time of our active interest in their future, then we need not worry about any “anti-American” feeling in Italy.
[Page 16]On the other hand, if the Communists ever succeed in their present efforts to convince the Italians that the United States is indifferent to their fate, (and that anyway the USSR has the dominant voice in Europe) then it will be difficult if not impossible for them to oppose a gravitation to the Soviet orbit.
- Addressed to Messrs. Hickerson and Cohen. Hickerson made the following marginal notation: “I know the difficulties, but I hope that serious consideration can be given to this.”↩