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

323. Telegram From Secretary of State Rusk to the Department of State⁰

Paris, December 16, 1963, 6 p.m.

Secto 22. Secretary called on Italian Foreign Minister Saragat at Italian Embassy, Paris, afternoon December 15. Saragat referred to fact he had not been able see President Kennedy during President’s visit Italy in July. President had thereafter written Saragat. Letter¹ has been great inspiration to Saragat and to his work. Foreign Minister emphasized Italy shares US grief at loss of President Kennedy.

Secretary told Saragat US pleased to see him named Foreign Minister and he was looking forward to working closely with Saragat.

Foreign Minister said new Italian Government has good parliamentary majority.² Italy’s position remains unchanged. Nenni Socialists have accepted Italian policy with regard to NATO alliance and Western orientation. Only small fringe likely detach themselves and go over to Communists.³ Nenni Socialists naturally emphasize matters closest to their interests and convictions and while accepting national defense policies, place stress on continuing dialogue with Soviet Union and on peace. Nenni Socialists accept MLF in principle but have asked for complete plan before giving final acceptance. When one thinks that only three years ago PSI was pro-communist and now is participating in government and had accepted NATO and Western obligations, one realizes what a great step forward has been made in Italy. There has been great strengthening of forces favoring the West. Saragat said he fully realizes things will not be easy. Many battles must be fought but he is very optimistic regarding the future. He believes ultimate result in Italy will be foundation of strong Social Democratic Party like that in Austria, but not so strong as in UK. In response to Secretary’s question, Saragat said process formation such a party would take considerable time but irreversible trend has set in. Secretary said in view many changes in Governments represented at forthcoming NATO sessions, we hope this meeting will be one of consolidation and not stimulate points of difference. It is important that press not have the feeling we are going away with great controversies raging around us. Points of difference such as those concerning NATO strategy and force goals should be left to discussion in PermReps meetings. Saragat entirely agreed.

Secretary referred to new U.S. administration and emphasized President Johnson is strong individual who will be a strong President. President Johnson has rural liberal background and tradition of support for Roosevelt and Truman policies. He participated in Kennedy administration’s decision making and can be counted on to give strong leadership to continuing liberal policies.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 66 D 110, CF 2345. Confidential. Drafted by Meloy and concurred in by Gordon and Little. Rusk and Saragat were in Paris to attend the North Atlantic Council Ministerial Meeting, December 16–17.
1. Not found.
2. On December 4 Prime Minister-designate Aldo Moro presented his new government to President Segni. The government included 16 Christian Democratic, 6 Socialist, 1 Republican, and 3 Social Democratic ministers. Pietro Nenni assumed the position of Vice President of the Council of Ministers. The government won a vote of confidence in Parliament on December 17.
3. On December 27, 27 Socialist Party deputies belonging to the leftwing “carristi” faction broke with the party to form an Italian Socialist Party of Proletarian Unity (PSIUP). The new party was led by Lelio Basso and Tullio Vecchietti.