Catholic Communists

Freed from the Fascist muzzle, Rome's journalists went on a publishing spree. Among many new periodicals, dyed every shade of political opinion, appeared Voce d'Operaia (Workmen's Voice), self-styled organ of the "Catholic Communists."

This startling association of terms raised a dither. Said Minister of State Palmiro Togliatti, boss of Italy's well-knit Communist Party: "I do not know what the Catholic Communist Party is. I will have to find out." Even if Voce d'Operaia turned out to be short-lived, it was a testimonial to the growing popularity of Russia and Communism among Italians.

Reported the sober-sided Times of London: "The idea is current that Britain and the United States, being rich countries, have no interest in, or understanding of a poor country like Italy, but that Russia. . . is clearly cut out to be Italy's friend. The prompt resumption of diplomatic relations with Italy by the Soviet Government supports this idea and assists the tactics of the Communist Party, which aims at becoming the national party of Italy as it is in Russia."

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