740.0011 European War
1939/31032
The Acting Secretary of
State to the President
1
urgent
[Washington,] August 21,
1943.
My Dear Mr. President: I have received
this morning the visit of the Apostolic Delegate who has given me
the attached communication2 which I am
sending to you for your information. The Pope requested particularly
that these memoranda be brought to your attention as speedily as
possible.
Believe me [etc.]
[Page 1079]
[Enclosure]
The Apostolic Delegate (Cicognani) to the Acting Secretary of
State
No. 244/43
Washington, August 20,
1943.
My Dear Mr. Welles, Inasmuch as events
of the past few weeks in Sicily and in Italy at large have given
great prominence to the prospects for the immediate future, the
Holy See wishes to place before the United States government
certain observations which have been dictated by its direct
contact with these important events.
These reflections aim to evaluate recent and present happenings
in the light of the future which they are molding and of the
effects which they will have on the formulation of the peace
towards which the Holy See continues to bend its every
effort.
Trusting that these considerations will receive every attention I
avail myself [etc.]
A. G. Cicognani
Archbishop of Laodicea Apostolic Delegate
[Subenclosure 1]
No. 244/43
Memorandum
In the light of possible imminent developments in the Italian war
situation, the Holy See cannot but be preoccupied with the grave
consequences of such developments on the Church at large. These
preoccupations “are greatly heightened by the determination,
public[ly] expressed, that through wholesale bloodshed and
destruction, even if this were to lead eventually to national
chaos and anarchy, Italy must be forced out of the war.
Were these sad possibilities to be realized, the restricted
territorial extent of Vatican City could not possibly prevent it
from feeling most acutely the grave consequences of such a
military campaign. Vatican City would inevitably become involved
in, and perhaps even engulfed by, any serious disorders which
might arise.
The noble and spiritual ideals which have assertedly been
embodied in the Allied cause would appear to dictate that every
precaution should be taken and every measure employed which
might safeguard spiritual values and enhance their worth in the
eyes of all men. On this point the Holy See recalls with
satisfaction and hope the letter of the President of the United
States to His Holiness, Pope Pius XII,
[Page 1080]
on July 9, 1943.3 It cannot
be denied that the religious sensibilities of millions of
Catholics throughout the world would be sorely wounded by
injuries, although unintended, which might be inflicted on
Vatican City and, consequently, on the Holy See.
Were the Vatican to be cut off or hindered in its communication
with the outside world, the nations at large would thus be
deprived of one of their most potent sources of inspiration and
guidance. Catholics in particular would suffer greatly from lack
of contact with their Spiritual Head, and this would most
assuredly make itself felt in other fields of activity.
An additional important consideration is found in the fact that
at the present time the Vatican City serves as headquarters for
all the resident diplomatic representatives of the Allied
nations accredited to the Holy See.
For these reasons, His Eminence, the Cardinal Secretary of State
has asked that every precaution be taken to avoid creating a
situation of chaos in Italy, which would make it most difficult,
not to say impossible, for the Holy See to continue as the
center of government for the Catholic Church.
Washington,
August 18,
1943.
[Subenclosure 2]
No. 244/43
Memorandum
The Holy See respectfully offers the following considerations
with reference to the avowed intention of the Allies to make
Italy feel unrestrainedly the full brunt of the war in every
quarter:
- 1)
- Slaughter and destruction, especially when carried out
on a large scale, contribute little or nothing to the
establishment of genuine peace. These elements of
warfare irritate and embitter the civilian population,
with the effect of inciting the populace to blind hate
against those who punish it by depriving it of
everything which it holds most dear.
- 2)
- The destruction and damaging of churches, charitable
institutions, and artistic monuments, even when this
destruction is not intended, as well as the ruining of
civilian homes etc., are doing much harm to the Allied
cause. They are actually diminishing the prestige of the
United States, which has always been regarded by the
Italian people as a nation nurturing great respect for
religion, art, and culture. If, unfortunately, at the
present time, the passion for war beclouds the clear
vision of good judgment, it cannot be denied that,
[Page 1081]
years hence,
the American people itself will be the first to deplore
and condemn such actions.
- 3)
- A consideration of paramount importance is to be found
in the favorable reaction of such a war policy in the
interests of Communism. Under the influence of the
bitterness engendered by the dread results of war, the
people fall an easy prey to Communism, which is ever
ready to avail itself of all means afforded by any event
of public importance, especially by those of a
calamitous nature.
Communism is already making noteworthy progress as the result of
war.
The recent demonstrations accompanying the fall of Fascism are
sufficient evidence that the Communists are well organized in
Italy, and that they have at their disposal
both financial means and arms.
Information reaching the Holy See also shows that Communism is
making continual progress also in Germany.
These facts are a clear warning of the grave peril that Europe
will find itself overrun with Communism immediately on the
cessation of hostilities.
Washington,
August 20,
1943.
