Italy Trade United States

This year is the 40th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, the massive program of U.S. economic and technical aid to countries of Europe devastated by World War II. The Italians have decided to celebrate and say thanks to America. Their celebration, however, will not be focused in Washington, nor any place else in the East, but here in Los Angeles--which the prime minister, Ciriaco de Mita, is calling the city of the future and "the umbilico," or navel, of the world. "L.A.

This year is the 40th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, the massive program of U.S. economic and technical aid to countries of Europe devastated by World War II. The Italians have decided to celebrate and say thanks to America. Their celebration, however, will not be focused in Washington, nor any place else in the East, but here in Los Angeles--which the prime minister, Ciriaco de Mita, is calling the city of the future and "the umbilico," or navel, of the world. "L.A.