Moro entered the American embassy under the cover of night followed by his bodyguard and his, visibly
<< Good evening Moro, how are you ? >>
George Frederick Reinhardt welcomed the Italian PM with a warm smile.
<< I am to the point of exhaustion. Politics it’s a heavy burden that, while I take pleasure in helping my country , it’s taking a toll on me >>
<< I can imagine. How are you doing ? >>
<< Well I am fine. But there are something I am here to discuss with you >>
<< What is it ? >>
<< Yesterday I was supposed to meet with Enrico Mattei, Adriano Olivetti and Mario Tchou. I presume you are all familiar with them>>
<< Indeed I am >>
<< We cancelled the meeting >>
<< For what reas…>>
<< A screwdriver was found in Mattei’s plane where it wasn’t supposed to be. This is the third time someone very important to the Italian Republic nearly loses his life. Mr Tchou almost lost his life in a car crash last November and Adriano almost risked becoming a vegetable had he not stayed in Ivrea >>
<< Are you implying that the United States was involved in this avoided tragedies ? >>
<< I am saying you might know has a problem with us >>
The ambassador kept quiet. The Italian was soft-spoken and concise, however docile he was not.
<< All of them are fearing for their life, all of them have possible motives to be wanted dead by someone. Whoever it was >>
<< I understand. I will talk to “him” as soon as possible>>
<< That would be very appreciated >>
<< What I am asking, if you might talk with president Eisenhower and ask him to stop whatever is happening. I doubt his government doesn’t have a clue on what could be happening right now ? >>
He ordered his secretary to make a call
<< Mr. President >>
<< Ambassador, I hope whatever reason you contacted me at this hour it is important. I am about to meet... >>
<< I just talked to Moro a few hours ago. >>
<< Very well. What did he said? >>
<< Sir, he thinks someone is into Italy’s VIPs. My deduction is either one in Congress or someone close to the energy sector or one of our allies. I am thinking about the guys we helped with the former “frog” problem four years ago, and the Big Sisters. Perhaps both. >>
<< It wouldn’t be surprising. What was the name of the guy who...the President of AGIP ? >>
<< Mattei >>
There was a long sigh on the other end of the line, followed by what happened to be a fist hitting the desk and the noise of Eisenhower’s breath, like thinking.
<< … If Moro needs any help, do it. I have enough problem with the Indians harassing… AGAIN I MIGHT SAY! our allies in Lisbon because a few spots on the map don’t belong to them! Our allies risk turning to each other throats would be one more problem I can’t just be bothered by another issue >>
<<I think it well be very appreciated by Moro>>
<< Of course it will. In the meantime , in return I want him to do as I did, he has to recognize the State of Katanga and the Portuguese Federation. Also, after this, call Jumpin’ Jim and ask him what we can do about the French Senate. They have become bothersome more quicklyl >>
<< Sure. No problem mister President >>
<< I really hope this is easier than when I stopped smoking in 1949 >>
Eisenhower hung up. The ambassador was quite surprised, entertained and amused the man in the Oval Office found much more difficult to stop smoking than the greatest conflict mankind had ever known or current international politics.
Not only that, but his predecessor Adlai Stevenson and VP John Sparkman had left him a mess, and Ike was the first Republican in more than three decades. He proceeded to serve himself a bottle of fine Italian red wine.
He proceeded calmly to recontact Aldo Moro and it took
<< Good evening Ambassador, please tell me you have good news >>
<< Indeed I have mister Moro. The President has personally assured me he will...look into it and has told me to be at your disposal. >>
<< Well frankly Ambassador Reinhardt I am… surprised. Really, it is even better than I hoped. >>
<< I am glad you see that way. >>
<< I will need two escorts for Tchou and Mattei, meanwhile for Olivetti… I think an extra team of doctors and physicians would be of much help. >>
<< Very well Moro. For this however, you should know that President Eisenhower needs something in return. >>
<< What ?>>
Reinhardt could feel the heaviness of the Prime Minister. Moro looked calm, but
<< The recognition of the State of Katanga and the Portuguese Federation as legitimate states >>
It took a while to have a response, the Italian was looking at him with heavy, nearly sighing eyes.
<< I suppose his doable >>
<< You are doing a service to Christendom Prime Minister. Both are bastions of democracy and Christendom against the threat of Communism. It’s imperative for the United States the territorial preservation of Lisbon’s Ultramarine provinces and the survival of Moïse Kapend Tshombe newborn republic. >>
<< It risky , I am sure you know that >>
<< Prime Minister Moro, I assure you are country won’t risk a second civil war , unlike South France and the German states your country doesn’t have the threat of the Red Bear looming over and there haven’t been any communists in sixteen years and we made sure of that. Unless you have reasonable concern the exiled one might come back from their Don Kuban’s dachas overnight ! >>
<< I risked being seen as a puppet. No more no less. I will discuss it with the parliament right away, but it’s will take a dent on our popular consensus >>
The ambassador said nothing. Moro didn’t know how to reply to it.
<< In the end of the week my government should agree on it. >>
<< One more thing >>
<< Yes ambassador? >>
<< It would be wise if you told mister Mattei to stop arguing in favor of independence movements, not only because it would result in much more hazardous hostilities between the peninsula and France, but it’s completely useless, despite many would love to disagree. The President wants the NATO allies to be in harmony not at odds or worse, it would only help communism spread further and maybe, maybe...>>
<< What’s is worrying you? >>
<< I don’t know if what Stevenson is proposing is a good exchange>>
<< Why so ? >>
<< I don’t think we will have a problem passing a recognizing Katanga as a legitimate state, what worries me is the aftermath. In the next election we could see both the FDP and MSI gaining on us and using the motto “See ? Aldo Moro is an American puppet.” My prediction is that the Christian Democracy could last a decade if we are lucky if we do as they say>>
<< You worry too much Aldo >>
<< I might , but I don’t want to end up like De Gasperi and I certainly don’t want a second civil war in our penisula, honorable Andreotti >>
<< It won’t happen. Be as it may , we got the majority of both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies and they will not change quickly. Also with law n*148 we have an edge on everyone>>
<< You are correct. They will not change quickly , but they will , sooner or later , if we keep appeasing Eisenhower >>
<< You should worry more about our own countrymen. Tchou, Olivetti and Mattei should be our...no, your priority >>
<< All right, I just hope he will not ask any more of this recognitions >>
<< I am sure he will not Aldo >>
Moro personally when Andreotti called him by his first name, because he sounded dishonest and an ass licking sycophant. Maybe it was his character, but he surely didn’t want him around if he could avoid him.
<< Andreotti ? >>
<< If you are mistaken, you are out of the party >>
Andreotti grinned.
<< Yeah sure >>
CHAPTER : A GENTLEMEN’S CONVERSATION
1961.5.5
Moro entered the American embassy under the cover of night followed by his bodyguard and his, visibly
<< Good evening Moro, how are you ? >>
George Frederick Reinhardt welcomed the Italian PM with a warm smile.
<< I am to the point of exhaustion. Politics it’s a heavy burden that, while I take pleasure in helping my country , it’s taking a toll on me >>
<< I can imagine. How are you doing ? >>
<< Well I am fine. But there are something I am here to discuss with you >>
<< What is it ? >>
<< Yesterday I was supposed to meet with Enrico Mattei, Adriano Olivetti and Mario Tchou. I presume you are all familiar with them>>
<< Indeed I am >>
<< We cancelled the meeting >>
<< For what reas…>>
<< A screwdriver was found in Mattei’s plane where it wasn’t supposed to be. This is the third time someone very important to the Italian Republic nearly loses his life. Mr Tchou almost lost his life in a car crash last November and Adriano almost risked becoming a vegetable had he not stayed in Ivrea >>
<< Are you implying that the United States was involved in this avoided tragedies ? >>
<< I am saying you might know has a problem with us >>
The ambassador kept quiet. The Italian was soft-spoken and concise, however docile he was not.
<< All of them are fearing for their life, all of them have possible motives to be wanted dead by someone. Whoever it was >>
<< I understand. I will talk to “him” as soon as possible>>
<< That would be very appreciated >>
<< What I am asking, if you might talk with president Eisenhower and ask him to stop whatever is happening. I doubt his government doesn’t have a clue on what could be happening right now ? >>
He ordered his secretary to make a call
<< Mr. President >>
<< Ambassador, I hope whatever reason you contacted me at this hour it is important. I am about to meet... >>
<< I just talked to Moro a few hours ago. >>
<< Very well. What did he said? >>
<< Sir, he thinks someone is into Italy’s VIPs. My deduction is either one in Congress or someone close to the energy sector or one of our allies. I am thinking about the guys we helped with the former “frog” problem four years ago, and the Big Sisters. Perhaps both. >>
<< It wouldn’t be surprising. What was the name of the guy who...the President of AGIP ? >>
<< Mattei >>
There was a long sigh on the other end of the line, followed by what happened to be a fist hitting the desk and the noise of Eisenhower’s breath, like thinking.
<< … If Moro needs any help, do it. I have enough problem with the Indians harassing… AGAIN I MIGHT SAY! our allies in Lisbon because a few spots on the map don’t belong to them! Our allies risk turning to each other throats would be one more problem I can’t just be bothered by another issue >>
<<I think it well be very appreciated by Moro>>
<< Of course it will. In the meantime , in return I want him to do as I did, he has to recognize the State of Katanga and the Portuguese Federation. Also, after this, call Jumpin’ Jim and ask him what we can do about the French Senate. They have become bothersome more quicklyl >>
<< Sure. No problem mister President >>
<< I really hope this is easier than when I stopped smoking in 1949 >>
Eisenhower hung up. The ambassador was quite surprised, entertained and amused the man in the Oval Office found much more difficult to stop smoking than the greatest conflict mankind had ever known or current international politics.
Not only that, but his predecessor Adlai Stevenson and VP John Sparkman had left him a mess, and Ike was the first Republican in more than three decades. He proceeded to serve himself a bottle of fine Italian red wine.
He proceeded calmly to recontact Aldo Moro and it took
<< Good evening Ambassador, please tell me you have good news >>
<< Indeed I have mister Moro. The President has personally assured me he will...look into it and has told me to be at your disposal. >>
<< Well frankly Ambassador Reinhardt I am… surprised. Really, it is even better than I hoped. >>
<< I am glad you see that way. >>
<< I will need two escorts for Tchou and Mattei, meanwhile for Olivetti… I think an extra team of doctors and physicians would be of much help. >>
<< Very well Moro. For this however, you should know that President Eisenhower needs something in return. >>
<< What ?>>
Reinhardt could feel the heaviness of the Prime Minister. Moro looked calm, but
<< The recognition of the State of Katanga and the Portuguese Federation as legitimate states >>
It took a while to have a response, the Italian was looking at him with heavy, nearly sighing eyes.
<< I suppose his doable >>
<< You are doing a service to Christendom Prime Minister. Both are bastions of democracy and Christendom against the threat of Communism. It’s imperative for the United States the territorial preservation of Lisbon’s Ultramarine provinces and the survival of Moïse Kapend Tshombe newborn republic. >>
<< It risky , I am sure you know that >>
<< Prime Minister Moro, I assure you are country won’t risk a second civil war , unlike South France and the German states your country doesn’t have the threat of the Red Bear looming over and there haven’t been any communists in sixteen years and we made sure of that. Unless you have reasonable concern the exiled one might come back from their Don Kuban’s dachas overnight ! >>
<< I risked being seen as a puppet. No more no less. I will discuss it with the parliament right away, but it’s will take a dent on our popular consensus >>
The ambassador said nothing. Moro didn’t know how to reply to it.
<< In the end of the week my government should agree on it. >>
<< One more thing >>
<< Yes ambassador? >>
<< It would be wise if you told mister Mattei to stop arguing in favor of independence movements, not only because it would result in much more hazardous hostilities between the peninsula and France, but it’s completely useless, despite many would love to disagree. The President wants the NATO allies to be in harmony not at odds or worse, it would only help communism spread further and maybe, maybe...>>
<< What’s is worrying you? >>
<< I don’t know if what Stevenson is proposing is a good exchange>>
<< Why so ? >>
<< I don’t think we will have a problem passing a recognizing Katanga as a legitimate state, what worries me is the aftermath. In the next election we could see both the FDP and MSI gaining on us and using the motto “See ? Aldo Moro is an American puppet.” My prediction is that the Christian Democracy could last a decade if we are lucky if we do as they say>>
<< You worry too much Aldo >>
<< I might , but I don’t want to end up like De Gasperi and I certainly don’t want a second civil war in our penisula, honorable Andreotti >>
<< It won’t happen. Be as it may , we got the majority of both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies and they will not change quickly. Also with law n*148 we have an edge on everyone>>
<< You are correct. They will not change quickly , but they will , sooner or later , if we keep appeasing Eisenhower >>
<< You should worry more about our own countrymen. Tchou, Olivetti and Mattei should be our...no, your priority >>
<< All right, I just hope he will not ask any more of this recognitions >>
<< I am sure he will not Aldo >>
Moro personally when Andreotti called him by his first name, because he sounded dishonest and an ass licking sycophant. Maybe it was his character, but he surely didn’t want him around if he could avoid him.
<< Andreotti ? >>
<< If you are mistaken, you are out of the party >>
Andreotti grinned.
<< Yeah sure >>
CHAPTER : A GENTLEMEN’S CONVERSATION
1961.5.5
Moro entered the American embassy under the cover of night followed by his bodyguard and his, visibly
<< Good evening Moro, how are you ? >>
George Frederick Reinhardt welcomed the Italian PM with a warm smile.
<< I am to the point of exhaustion. Politics it’s a heavy burden that, while I take pleasure in helping my country , it’s taking a toll on me >>
<< I can imagine. How are you doing ? >>
<< Well I am fine. But there are something I am here to discuss with you >>
<< What is it ? >>
<< Yesterday I was supposed to meet with Enrico Mattei, Adriano Olivetti and Mario Tchou. I presume you are all familiar with them>>
<< Indeed I am >>
<< We cancelled the meeting >>
<< For what reas…>>
<< A screwdriver was found in Mattei’s plane where it wasn’t supposed to be. This is the third time someone very important to the Italian Republic nearly loses his life. Mr Tchou almost lost his life in a car crash last November and Adriano almost risked becoming a vegetable had he not stayed in Ivrea >>
<< Are you implying that the United States was involved in this avoided tragedies ? >>
<< I am saying you might know has a problem with us >>
The ambassador kept quiet. The Italian was soft-spoken and concise, however docile he was not.
<< All of them are fearing for their life, all of them have possible motives to be wanted dead by someone. Whoever it was >>
<< I understand. I will talk to “him” as soon as possible>>
<< That would be very appreciated >>
<< What I am asking, if you might talk with president Eisenhower and ask him to stop whatever is happening. I doubt his government doesn’t have a clue on what could be happening right now ? >>
He ordered his secretary to make a call
<< Mr. President >>
<< Ambassador, I hope whatever reason you contacted me at this hour it is important. I am about to meet... >>
<< I just talked to Moro a few hours ago. >>
<< Very well. What did he said? >>
<< Sir, he thinks someone is into Italy’s VIPs. My deduction is either one in Congress or someone close to the energy sector or one of our allies. I am thinking about the guys we helped with the former “frog” problem four years ago, and the Big Sisters. Perhaps both. >>
<< It wouldn’t be surprising. What was the name of the guy who...the President of AGIP ? >>
<< Mattei >>
There was a long sigh on the other end of the line, followed by what happened to be a fist hitting the desk and the noise of Eisenhower’s breath, like thinking.
<< … If Moro needs any help, do it. I have enough problem with the Indians harassing… AGAIN I MIGHT SAY! our allies in Lisbon because a few spots on the map don’t belong to them! Our allies risk turning to each other throats would be one more problem I can’t just be bothered by another issue >>
<<I think it well be very appreciated by Moro>>
<< Of course it will. In the meantime , in return I want him to do as I did, he has to recognize the State of Katanga and the Portuguese Federation. Also, after this, call Jumpin’ Jim and ask him what we can do about the French Senate. They have become bothersome more quicklyl >>
<< Sure. No problem mister President >>
<< I really hope this is easier than when I stopped smoking in 1949 >>
Eisenhower hung up. The ambassador was quite surprised, entertained and amused the man in the Oval Office found much more difficult to stop smoking than the greatest conflict mankind had ever known or current international politics.
Not only that, but his predecessor Adlai Stevenson and VP John Sparkman had left him a mess, and Ike was the first Republican in more than three decades. He proceeded to serve himself a bottle of fine Italian red wine.
He proceeded calmly to recontact Aldo Moro and it took
<< Good evening Ambassador, please tell me you have good news >>
<< Indeed I have mister Moro. The President has personally assured me he will...look into it and has told me to be at your disposal. >>
<< Well frankly Ambassador Reinhardt I am… surprised. Really, it is even better than I hoped. >>
<< I am glad you see that way. >>
<< I will need two escorts for Tchou and Mattei, meanwhile for Olivetti… I think an extra team of doctors and physicians would be of much help. >>
<< Very well Moro. For this however, you should know that President Eisenhower needs something in return. >>
<< What ?>>
Reinhardt could feel the heaviness of the Prime Minister. Moro looked calm, but
<< The recognition of the State of Katanga and the Portuguese Federation as legitimate states >>
It took a while to have a response, the Italian was looking at him with heavy, nearly sighing eyes.
<< I suppose his doable >>
<< You are doing a service to Christendom Prime Minister. Both are bastions of democracy and Christendom against the threat of Communism. It’s imperative for the United States the territorial preservation of Lisbon’s Ultramarine provinces and the survival of Moïse Kapend Tshombe newborn republic. >>
<< It risky , I am sure you know that >>
<< Prime Minister Moro, I assure you are country won’t risk a second civil war , unlike South France and the German states your country doesn’t have the threat of the Red Bear looming over and there haven’t been any communists in sixteen years and we made sure of that. Unless you have reasonable concern the exiled one might come back from their Don Kuban’s dachas overnight ! >>
<< I risked being seen as a puppet. No more no less. I will discuss it with the parliament right away, but it’s will take a dent on our popular consensus >>
The ambassador said nothing. Moro didn’t know how to reply to it.
<< In the end of the week my government should agree on it. >>
<< One more thing >>
<< Yes ambassador? >>
<< It would be wise if you told mister Mattei to stop arguing in favor of independence movements, not only because it would result in much more hazardous hostilities between the peninsula and France, but it’s completely useless, despite many would love to disagree. The President wants the NATO allies to be in harmony not at odds or worse, it would only help communism spread further and maybe, maybe...>>
<< What’s is worrying you? >>
<< I don’t know if what Stevenson is proposing is a good exchange>>
<< Why so ? >>
<< I don’t think we will have a problem passing a recognizing Katanga as a legitimate state, what worries me is the aftermath. In the next election we could see both the FDP and MSI gaining on us and using the motto “See ? Aldo Moro is an American puppet.” My prediction is that the Christian Democracy could last a decade if we are lucky if we do as they say>>
<< You worry too much Aldo >>
<< I might , but I don’t want to end up like De Gasperi and I certainly don’t want a second civil war in our penisula, honorable Andreotti >>
<< It won’t happen. Be as it may , we got the majority of both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies and they will not change quickly. Also with law n*148 we have an edge on everyone>>
<< You are correct. They will not change quickly , but they will , sooner or later , if we keep appeasing Eisenhower >>
<< You should worry more about our own countrymen. Tchou, Olivetti and Mattei should be our...no, your priority >>
<< All right, I just hope he will not ask any more of this recognitions >>
<< I am sure he will not Aldo >>
Moro personally when Andreotti called him by his first name, because he sounded dishonest and an ass licking sycophant. Maybe it was his character, but he surely didn’t want him around if he could avoid him.
<< Andreotti ? >>
<< If you are mistaken, you are out of the party >>
Andreotti grinned.
<< Yeah sure >>