Visitor from Rome

During President Eisenhower's 26 months in office, more than 25 visiting foreign rulers and heads of state have come to seek aid and accords, to form friendly relations and common policies. This week to Washington, which is to the West what Rome was to the ancient world, journeyed a visitor from Rome: Italy's Premier Mario Scelba (see box), who came with many purposes in mind but not with hat in outstretched hand. Said Scelba: He did not intend "to ask the American taxpayer to make any further sacrifice."

For six weeks State Department officials have busily prepared to welcome Scelba, whose visit is more than an old-fashioned courtesy call. U.S. Ambassador Clare Boothe Luce flew in from Rome ahead of him to help in the arrangements. While Scelba did not come specifically to seek aid, the important question of U.S. help to his country is bound to come up. His reception as an honored guest in the U.S. is certain to bolster his political position at home.

Scelba's party, including his wife, first flew to Canada for a short visit in Montreal and Ottawa. This week, at Washington's National Airport, they were welcomed by Vice President and Mrs. Nixon, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and Ambassador Luce. The Premier shook hands all around and then, with a smile, read a prepared statement which began in Italian and ended in two sentences of English. His carefully-memorized, well-pronounced sentences: I do not want to finish before apologizing for getting here on Sunday afternoon. I do hope it has not spoiled too much of your weekend.

For his 10 days in the U.S. the Italian Premier has scheduled a conference with the President, lunch at the White House, discussions with three U.S. Cabinet officers, and a busy round of receptions in Washington, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Detroit. Italy's Premier clearly felt that he was among good friends. On almost every international issue, he said, "we are in accord with the views of the U.S."

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