360F.1163 Church of Jesus Christ/3: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Czechoslovakia (Benton)
36. Department informed by J. Reuben Clark, Junior, who writes in behalf of the First Presidency of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from Salt Lake City, Utah, that formal court proceedings are pending in Czechoslovakia looking towards expulsion of church mission and missionaries. Mr. Clark writes:
“It is our understanding that there is complete religious liberty in Czechoslovakia, and that all churches obeying the law are permitted freedom of worship.
[Page 121]It is our further understanding that the charges made against the Church and the objections to the continuance of its work in Czechoslovakia have all now been successfully met except one which affirms that the Church is not recognized in any country, and that even in the United States it is not permitted to work except in the State of Utah.
To this charge the following answer may be made:
The Church has missions and many congregations in most of the countries of Europe, including the British Isles, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Austria. The Church also has missions in Palestine and Syria, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentine, Canada, in the South Sea Islands, New Zealand, and Australia.
The Church has branches or congregations in every State of the Union, and in Hawaii. In fact, at the present moment the Church is maintaining missions in every country in which it has ever established one, except those from which it has voluntarily withdrawn.”
Mr. Clark requests that foregoing be brought to attention of proper officials of Foreign Office with request that matter be brought to attention of the judge before whom case is being tried.
After consulting Consul General Lee regarding present status of case discuss matter informally with Foreign Office to ascertain if Clark’s request can be complied with. If request is rejected consult with Arthur Gaeth4 to ascertain if he desires case adjourned beyond October 16 to permit presentation of evidence on this phase of case.
Department has for many years extended protection to missionaries of this church in foreign countries. Foreign Relations, 1897, page 123. This church enjoys same civil rights in the United States as are enjoyed by other religious bodies. A branch of the church is located in the District of Columbia.
- President of the Czechoslovak Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.↩