Text of President’s Letter to Craxi

Following is the full text of President Reagan’s letter to caretaker Prime Minister Bettino Craxi Saturday, translated from the Italian form in which Craxi’s office published it:

Dear Bettino, I am anxious to see you next week in New York for the session of consultations which we will have with our major allies.

I deeply esteem the counsel you have given me in the past and appreciate your readiness to share your thoughts and impressions as we approach my important meeting in Geneva with General Secretary Gorbachev.

During the past week we have had differences over the best way of responding to the hijacking of the Achille Lauro. Despite these differences, which we have dealt with in a frank and friendly way, we share fundamental commitments on the necessity to respond with firmness to the challenges posed by international terrorism.

I want you to know that I never had any doubt that your government would proceed rapidly with the prosecution of the hijackers of the Achille Lauro.

Italian-American relations are, and will remain ample, profound and solid and I am certain that our personal ties will continue to be firmly bound to this tradition.

Sincerely, Ron.