This note my the Italian Foreign Ministry discusses the growing tensions caused by the ongoing arms race and introduces different disarmament strategies suggested by the Soviet Union, Denmark, and the Warsaw Pact.

Report of the head of the Italian defense department’s recent trip to the United States. Of importance was the discussion of NATO’s long-term plan (ten to fifteen years), the strategic defense of the Balkans, the maintenance of the United States’ NATO forces in Europe, and the need to push development of conventional weapons to avoid having to employ nuclear weapons.

Rossi describes the recent trend of the US Administration to want to turn away from the doctrine of Massive Retaliation, towards the acquisition of a new strategic concept that includes an increase in the "nuclear threshold." In order for Italy to continue to lead the defense of central and southeastern Europe against the Soviet Union as well as address its internal social and political crises, the United States must provide Italy with financial assistance.

The document analyzes the state of East-West relations in the aftermath of the Reykjavik Summit. There appears to be an openness to continuing dialogue by both sides, but many unknowns still persist regarding Europe and the Middle East.

Analysis of the state of Atlantic Alliance in the global security landscape shows political cohesion internally, and a firm position in the security sphere. NATO also appears open to dialogue with the Eastern block, but remains aware of the centrality of European security.

Diplomatic advisor Antonio Badini's report from the meeting between Craxi and Armacost regarding international terrorism, situation in Libya and Syria, and deterioration of East-West relations.

Ambassador Biancheri analyses the outcomes of the Rome Summit in the context of American politics. The Bush administration has presented the summit as an extraordinary success, but it has also shown the need to re-evaluate US role in Europe and around the world.

A summary of the Alliance's New Strategic Concept and the Rome Declaration on Peace and Cooperation published during the Rome Summit with comments from the Italian foreign ministry.

Italian Ambassador to Belgrade, Vento, offers his initial analysis of Lord Carrington's mission to Belgrade, and the possibility of a peacekeeping mission in Yugoslavia.

The document emphasizes the need for increased dialogue and cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries. It presents three alternative frameworks for cooperation.