840.20/1–2249: Telegram
The Ambassador in Belgium (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
top secret
Brussels, January
22, 1949—3 p. m.
us urgent
114. Today Spaak referred to conversations with Loridan re Italian participation Atlantic pact (Embtel 101, January 20) and sense Deptel 61, January 21 was conveyed him. Spaak said:
- (1)
- He fully agrees with Department’s view that nothing should be in Atlantic pact with respect to Italy which would be at variance with peace treaty either on Trieste or military clauses. He observed that if these questions are allowed enter pact it would afford Soviets ideal weapon.
- (2)
- He now clearly understands that we strongly favor Italy’s entrance into pact; that this is now principal outstanding question and that satisfactory solution would materially expedite conclusion negotiations. He said he was very glad have this information before leaving for London.
- (3)
- Referring Italian memorandum (requesting entry in pact) Spaak said his impression was that its terms were ambiguous and were not unequivocal request for inclusion in pact. In this connection main point, as Spaak sees it, is whether Italian Government really wants enter pact. If they would take categorical position in favor entry Spaak would be in favor their initial adherence.
- (4)
- Immediately prior this interview Spaak had seen Italian Ambassador and had asked him whether Italian Government was positive that it wanted in its own interest join Atlantic pact. Ambassador replied he could not reply officially since subject had only been taken up with US. He promised however obtain something concrete from Rome prior Spaak’s departure for London which has now been postponed from 25th to 26th.
- (5)
- Spaak also again made point that Italy is not Atlantic power, this would raise whole question of Mediterranean (i.e. Greece, Turkey, North Africa) and that latter area would in turn bring up question Congo. Furthermore he wondered how we proposed draft pact provide [Page 44] for Italian inclusion. He said, however, that in final analysis question lay between Italy and US and that if we feel strongly that Italian inclusion is essential he will certainly not oppose this.
Kirk