I met with Ambassador Graham Martin. a skilled diplomat who now has the very Important position of Ambassador to Italy. He takes over in this position at a time of instability in political affairs in Italy. but he can provide a clear interpretation for us of what is happening. and also provide a very important link to the Italian Government. Ambassador Martin. formerly Ambassador to Thailand. and recently with special responsibilities in the State Department for dealing with war refugee problems. was extremely helpful to me. I was able to fully update him on recent developments involving NATO and burden sharing. I am hopeful that we will be able to continue to have the support of the Italian Government in this very important question of working out a more equitable basis for sharing the costs of defense for the countries of NATO. which I feel will be the key to its very existence and its strength in the future.