Archivio Andreotti's NATO Series

Deputy Secretary General of NATO Amedeo De Franchis briefs Italian embassies about the state of NATO-Russia relations, and the Italian position. He emphasizes the importance of Russian security concerns and calls for caution in NATO's enlargement strategy.

Report from the Italian permanent representative to NATO Tornetta to Foreign Minister Colombo regarding the new directive of President Carter (PD-59) on the use of strategic nuclear systems. According to Tornetta PD-59 represents a significant change in the balance between the superpowers and the allied defense posture in Europe.

The telegram decribes West Germany's reactions on Gorbachev's December 7, 1988 address at the UN where he announces drastic changes in Soviet foreign and security policy.

Minister of Defense Attilio Ruffini's notes to Prime Minister Andreotti regarding NATO's proposal for a long-term defense program. Italy faces pressure to increase its economic contribution, but for the time being cannot make a binding commitment.

Ambassador Petrignani reports his conversation with Vice Secretary of State Burt following Kissinger's interview in Time where he talks about NATO's crisis and need for burden sharing reform. Burt distances the current administration from Kissinger's views, stating instead that euro-american relations are "in good health", and there is no need for drastic measures.