740.0011 European War 1939/12827: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 7—4:05 p.m.]
950. From Tittmann. Number 40. Department’s telegram 472, July 3, 5 p.m. The following facts were given this morning by the Cardinal Secretary of State22a regarding the Beirut matter.
The telegram from the Apostolic Delegate was dated June 26 but was not received at the Vatican until June 27. On June 28 the Cardinal instructed the Papal representatives in Vichy, London and Berlin, to approach those Governments with the suggestion that in order to ensure the preservation of monuments of Christian culture in that city Beirut be declared a neutral zone.
Berlin replied on July 3 to the effect that while Germany wished to stand aside from events in Syria in principle it was in favor of preventing the destruction of churches and other monuments of Christian culture.
Vichy replied on July 4 stating that it was “absolutely impossible” for the French to consider any such declaration since Beirut was too important center of French resistance. However the French Government was willing to take all necessary precautions to preserve [Page 760] churches and Christian monuments in accordance with the provisions of international conventions.
No reply from London has been received so far but Cardinal Maglione promised to let me know as soon as it arrives. [Tittmann.]
- Luigi Cardinal Maglione.↩