TALKS IN ROME

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29367, 21 November 1960, Page 15

TALKS IN ROME

Macmillan’s Visit

(Rec. 10 p.m.) ROME, Nov. 20 Mr Macmillan, will arrive • in Rome tomorrow on the first official visit to Italy by a British Prime Minister for 22 years. East-West relations, N.A.T.O. and closer ties between the Common Market and the European Free Trade Association are expected to be the main topics in his talks with the Italian Government.

With the Foreign Secretary. Lord Home, Mr Macmillan will have three working sessions in two days with the Italian Prime Minister, Mr Amintore Fanfani, and the Foreign Minister, Mr Antonio Segni. They may also discuss the Queen’s State visit to Rome next spring.

Mr Fanfani is regarded as a staunch supporter of the “no-Europe-without-Britain ’ ’ policy, and talks between a British delegation and Italian leaders three months ago were considered to have strengthened prospects of closer Western European association.

They are also expected to pay particular attention to:— (1) How the Western alliance will be affected by the new Kennedy Administration in the United States. (2) An analysis of the Communist summit meeting in Moscow.

(3) Prospects for disarmament, in which both Britain and Italy have a common interest as members of the Western side at the ill-fated Geneva conference. On Wednesday. Mr Macmillan will be received by the Pope before flying back to London next day.