310.2/10–1351: Telegram
The Chargé in Italy (Thompson) to the Secretary of State
1694. In an after-dinner conversation last night, the Prime Minister asked me to forward the following suggestion:
He believes that we miss a propaganda advantage by constantly being forced to take a negative attitude to Soviet proposals. He, therefore, suggests that instead of saying no to the Soviet suggestion that Bulgaria, Hungary and Rumania be admitted to the UN, we should state that we would welcome and support their applications for membership as soon as they can produce evidence that they are free and democratic.
Sent Dept 1694; repeated info Moscow 30.