740.0011 European War 1939/30168
The Apostolic Delegate at Washington (Cicognani) to Mr. Myron C. Taylor, Personal Representative of President Roosevelt to Pope Pius XII
My Dear Mr. Taylor: I have been directed by His Eminence, Cardinal Maglione, Secretary of State, to return once again on the subject of the bombardment of Rome.
In these days the British Minister to the Vatican, on urgent and personal instructions from the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, has informed His Eminence that in case military necessity demands the bombardment of Rome, all Allied pilots would be instructed to spare the Vatican City. This message intended for the Holy Father adds that the British Government does not exclude the possibility that the Axis powers will deliberately bombard the Vatican City State, with the purpose of having the responsibility for such action cast upon the Allies.
[Page 921]His Eminence repeated to the Minister of His Britannic Majesty all the reasons already explained and in virtue of which Rome should be spared from aerial attack, indicating that it is not a question merely of Vatican City but of the entire city of Rome, the Episcopal See of the Holy Father.
His Eminence was obliged to repeat also that in the event that the city of Rome is bombarded the Holy Father will voice his open protest to the world. In this regard he again insisted on the enormous responsibility of the Allies in the event that they decide to bombard the city. Not only would such military action arouse the resentment of the whole world, and particularly of Catholics, but in its long range consequences it would become a cause of profound political embarrassment.
In conclusion His Eminence directs me to communicate the foregoing to the Government of the United States, and suggests that the surest way of avoiding an attack on Vatican City by the Axis powers with the consequent recriminations against the Allies would be to leave the city of Rome free from all aerial attack.
If I may be permitted to add a word to the authoritative instructions received from His Eminence, it must be in appreciation to Your Excellency for the comprehension which you and the Government of the United States have shown in the question of the immunity of Rome from aerial bombardment. I well realize that if Rome has thus far been spared from aerial attack by the Allies it is due to the consideration given to the unique religious, historical and artistic importance of the City.
In these last few weeks the Allied policy in regard to Rome has solidified, and military necessity has become the determining factor. In the war which is being waged so strenuously and with such sacrifices I am sure that there are higher necessities than those of military character, and that to spare the sacred City of Rome would effectively symbolize the ideals contained in the Allied war program.
Since the beginning of this question the Holy Father directly and through His Eminence, the Cardinal Secretary of State, has patiently and quietly pleaded through diplomatic channels in order that Rome might be spared; the August Pontiff has shown his understanding of the Allied objectives while maintaining the traditional impartiality of the Holy See which has children in all nations. I trust that the Allied Governments, even in terms of military necessity, have fully evaluated the import of a solemn and public protest made by the Holy Father, if Rome should unfortunately become the target of Allied bombers.
It is a well founded fear that if all or part of Rome is laid waste by Allied military forces there will arise not only in Europe and in [Page 922] Latin America but everywhere a troublesome division of spirits, and most certainly a deep seated antagonism.
Please accept [etc.]
Archbishop of Laodicea