7400.00116 European War 1939/605: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State

4675. From Tittmann. 169, October 10. Department’s telegram 2235, September 23, and my 163, September 29.20 For the Under Secretary. Holy See replied today to Mr. Taylor’s letter21 regarding the predicament of the Jews in Poland in an informal and unsigned statement handed me by the Cardinal Secretary of State. After thanking Ambassador Taylor for bringing the matter to the attention of the Holy See the statement says that reports of severe measures taken against non-Aryans have also reached the Holy See from other sources but that up to the present time it has not been possible to verify the accuracy thereof. However, the statement adds it is well known that the Holy See is taking advantage of every opportunity offered in order to mitigate the suffering of non-Aryans.

I regret that Holy See could not have been more helpful but it was evident from the attitude of the Cardinal that it has no practical suggestions to make. I think it is perhaps likely that the belief is held [Page 778] that there is little hope of checking Nazi barbarities by any method except that of physical force coming from without. [Tittmann.]

Harrison
  1. Neither printed.
  2. Letter of September 26, p. 775.