740.00119 EW/8–248: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy), at Berlin
secret
Washington, August 5,
1948—1 p. m.
1379. Views outlined Leg Budapest’s 1240 Aug 2 (rptd Berlin 89 and Rome 69) re transfer Sacred Crown St Stephen to Vatican for safekeeping (Berlin’s 182 [1862] July 29 rptd Budapest 53 and Rome 74)1 accord with Dept’s thinking matter.
As regards reply to Vatican Rep, Dept suggests USPolAd endeavor arrange meeting with Apostolic Visitator and acquaint him orally and informally with US views in following sense:
- 1.
- US authorities appreciate interest Holy See in Sacred Crown and are fully aware historical and symbolic significance regalia from both religious and political point of view. General position of US Gov is, of course, that Sacred Crown and appurtenances are property of whole Hungarian people.
- 2.
- It is further view of US however that, because of political importance attaching to Crown, adverse repercussions could not fail to result in current circumstances from removal of object from safekeeping US authorities Germany and that present moment is therefore inopportune for any decision as to transfer or ultimate disposition of Crown.
- 3.
- Although US authorities regret that they are unable accede to request of Holy See in this matter, Apostolic Visitator may wish to convey to Monsignor Montini assurance that they will continue exercise [Page 368] every care in safeguarding Crown and insignia until it is possible under more favorable conditions to make appropriate disposition of property.
Sent Berlin 1379 rptd Budapest 772 Rome for AmVat 22.
Marshall