The Italian Government today was accused of — and promptly denied — plans to intervene militarily on behalf of Britain, France and Israel during the Suez Crisis in 1956.
The charge was voiced here this morning, at the seventh convention of the Christian Democratic Party, by Celso de Stefanis, national delegate of the Christian Democratic Youth Federation. Some members of the Italian Government, he stated, advocated military intervention on the side of the British, French and Israelis in the fall of 1956.
A number of delegates reacted angrily against Mr. de Stefanis’ charges, and he was answered immediately by Premier Antonio Segni. The Prime Minister said the charge was untrue, and pointed out that Italy’s delegation voted, within three days of the opening of the Frenco-British Suez campaign, to condemn that action at the United Nations. He called on all members of the 1956 Government of Italy, present at the convention, to “bear witness” to the accuracy of his statement.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
