198. Memorandum From the Chief of the European Division, Directorate of Plans, Central Intelligence Agency (Hart) to the Deputy Director for Plans, Central Intelligence Agency (Karamessines)1
SUBJECT
- Item of Possible Interest To The Director
- Ambassador Graham Martin’s Visit to Washington
U.S. Ambassador to Italy Graham Martin came to the United States in early October for consultations. During the past year, the Ambassador has been discussing [less than 1 line not declassified] in general terms, the need for a political action program for Italy. However, the Ambassador has not discussed a specific program [less than 1 line not declassified] opinion that the Ambassador clearly desires to handle any proposal which he has for a political action program by himself in a manner which he believes most likely to produce the results he desires. Although the Ambassador is aware of the need for Inter-Agency coordination on any political action program, [less than 1 line not declassified] the Ambassador is of the opinion that any such program for Italy which requires “Inter-Agency approval” will probably not get off the ground. In view of the foregoing, it is quite likely that the Ambassador, while he is in Washington, may be discussing, with senior U.S. officials, his plans for a political action program for Italy.