840.20/1–1749

The Italian Ambassador in the United States (Tarchiani) to the Acting Secretary of State

My Dear Mr. Acting Secretary of State: According to information just received from Rome, Great Britain would have shown in these days a reserved attitude as to the immediate joining by Italy of the Atlantic Pact, especially on the assumption that the Italian Government might have to face some alleged internal difficulties on the subject.

I have been expressly instructed by my Government to assure the Government of the United States that—provided the Atlantic Pact respond to the exigencies outlined in the memoranda of this Embassy1—the Italian Government has reached a unanimous agreement on the matter.

I avail [etc.]

Alberto Tarchiani
  1. See memorandum of conversation by Hickerson, January 12, p. 23.