865.00/5–2047
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Director of the Office of European Affairs (Matthews)
The Italian Ambassador called this afternoon at his request and read me part of a private very secret message which he had received from de Gasperi. The message was partly in response to reports which the Ambassador had sent following his conversations with the President and with the Secretary. It suggested that the Ambassador make an early approach to Secretary Snyder on Italian financial needs which was in accordance with what Tarchiani said the President had suggested.
While the important part of the message was somewhat vague Mr. Tarchiani interpreted it to mean that Nitti will probably not be successful in forming a government and that de Gasperi will thereupon be asked to do so. De Gasperi seemed somewhat dubious of success and apparently in need of encouragement. Unless he is successful Tarchiani thought a period of uncertainty and disorganization will ensue with eventual Communist success and tragic effects on Italy. De Gasperi asked specifically whether he could count on the moral support of the United States and on additional financial help to enable Italy to meet its financial necessities this year if he undertook to head a new government. The Ambassador asked me to bring this to the attention of the Secretary and to say on his behalf that he felt it important to get some message of encouragement to de Gasperi this evening. I told the Ambassador I would inform the Secretary immediately of his call.
After consulting the Secretary I telephoned the Ambassador by his direction and told him that he might send the following message from the Secretary to de Gasperi:
“You may count on the strong moral support of the United States and that we will make a serious effort to assist Italy in meeting her essential financial needs.”
The Ambassador said that he thought this message would give de Gasperi the needed encouragement and expressed his deep appreciation.
[Page 909]The Ambassador emphasized throughout the very private nature of his communications from and to de Gasperi and urged that the matter be kept entirely secret.