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Background: President Kennedy's Ambassador-at-large, Mr. Averell Harriman, ended his talks with Italian political leaders on March 11th, when he lunched in Rome with President Gronchi. Also present was the Prime Minister, Signor Fantani.

At a Press conference on March 9th, the day the Rome talks began, Mr. Harriman said he felt Italy was in a position to help under-developed countries in one form or another. But the remark got a mixed reception in Italy, and it was pointed out that Italy has her own under-developed areas to deal with at home.

Mr. Harriman also said he thought Britain should join the Common Market, providing this did not reduce "the intimacy of the Common Market".

On leaving Rome, on March 12, Mr. Harriman flew to Teheran to begin a visit to Persia.