Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XIII, Western Europe and Canada

319. Memorandum of Conversation⁰

US/MC/29

Rome, July 1, 1963.

THE PRESIDENT’S TRIP TO EUROPE

June 23–July 2, 1963

SUBJECT

• Italian Domestic Political Scene

PARTICIPANTS

• Italy
  • Communist Party Secretary Togliatti
  • Christian Democratic Party Secretary Moro
  • Socialist Party Secretary Nenni
  • Former Prime Minister Fanfani
• United States
  • The President

As the President strolled through long lines of people, Americans and Italians, who were waiting in the garden to greet him, he was introduced to Mr. Togliatti. The President told him that he was glad to see him there, and that he was enjoying the visit to his country. (A photograph of this meeting was retrieved from an Italian photographer at the President’s request.)

The President subsequently asked Nenni many of the questions he had earlier put to the Prime Minister and the speaker of the Chamber about the vagaries of Italian election results in a situation of growing prosperity. Nenni gave him essentially the same answer: there were too many people left behind, which the President would clearly see for himself if he could stay a few days and visit the countryside, and the slums. The President asked Nenni if he thought it possible for the PSI to cooperate with the majority. Nenni gave an unreserved “yes.”¹

Fanfani, who was at the dinner, also dropped by. The President expressed the hope that he would attend the Democratic convention, which will be held in Atlantic City.² Fanfani said he appreciated the invitation. The President told Fanfani that he was sorry that his visit was taking place at a time of such confusion. Fanfani quickly said something signifying resignation to circumstances and wished the President success.³

0. Source: Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 66 D 110, CF 2275. Confidential. No drafting information appears on the source text. Approved in the White House on July 22. These discussions took place at a reception following an official dinner hosted by President Segni at the Quirinale Palace. For text of President Kennedy’s public remarks at the Segni dinner, see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, 1963, pp. 547–550.
1. According to Nenni (Anni di Centro Sinistra, pp. 288–289), during their conversation the President stressed the importance of Italy’s role in Europe, especially as a balance on the ambitions of General de Gaulle’s France. They also discussed the importance of continuing dialog between the United States and Soviet Union prior to their conversation of the prospects of the center-left. Nenni also stated that the President extended an invitation to visit the United States.
2. The President’s initial meeting with Fanfani occurred during the 1956 Democratic national convention.
3. Commenting on the President’s discussions with the party leaders the Embassy reported: “In general, we have good grounds to believe that all secretaries were impressed by President’s personality, his interest in and knowledge of Italian as well as European situation, his willingness to listen and to consider their opinions. We can only hope that President’s (and US) readiness to stand up and be counted as particularly friendly to socalled democratic sector of Italian political opinion will have also left its mark on government leaders who so quickly caved in to threats of extremist reactions.” (Telegram 64 from Rome, July 6; Department of State, Central Files, Pol–7 U.S./Kennedy)