Paolo Pansa Cedronio

Paolo Pansa Cedronio was born in Naples in 1915 and studied law and political science there before further study at Florence’s Cesare Alfieri institute. He entered the diplomatic service in 1940. Early postings included the Paris consulate and the embassy in Washington, followed by work with Italy’s Atlantic Council delegation and ambassadorships in Chile and Canada. ¹

He became NATO deputy secretary general in 1971 and held that position until 1978, when he was appointed ambassador in Washington. He later recalled accompanying De Gasperi to Cleveland in January 1947 while a junior embassy secretary. ^{2, 1, 3}

A prize administered by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei bears his name. The University of Florence’s notice for the 2023 competition identifies young diplomats and graduates of the Cesare Alfieri school as its intended recipients. ⁴