800.404/7–2049: Telegram
The Acting Representative at Vatican City ( Gowen ) to the Secretary of State
Amvat 29. Tardini1 indicated to me today confidentially in countries behind Iron Curtain Vatican anti-Communist decree2 expected to strengthen resistance of persecuted Catholics but can hardly do [Page 19] more as long as violent anti-religious campaigning continues. It will give such Catholics stimulating proof of Pope’s sustained sympathy and solidarity. In non-Iron Curtain countires especially Latin countries Vatican is confident decree is yielding tangible results in depriving Communists of adherents who had been betrayed by subtle propaganda that Communism is not inconsistent with Christianity.
Catholics who hitherto thought they could serve both Communism and Catholic Church now realize time for any compromise with Communism is past and that Communism is utterly incompatible with Christianity, true democracy, freedom and justice. He indicated Pope had these points in mind when he was considering possible effects of decree. Response of free world has been most gratifying, he said.