701.9466A/6: Telegram
The Chargé in Switzerland ( Huddle ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:07 p.m.]
927. Following from Tittmann. 35, March 5. Department’s telegram No. 469, February 17. In discussing the subject matter of the Department’s telegram with Monsignor Tardini28 he began by saying that as a general rule countries established missions at the Holy See because it was in their interest to do so and for no other reason. He agreed that it was not unlikely that among the motives behind the Japanese decision was the desire to influence Catholic sentiment in their favor wherever their interests might be involved. He added, however, that the reverse of the [apparent omission] was that the establishment of the Japanese mission would provide the Holy See with additional machinery through which attempts could be made to exert a moderating influence on the Japanese in areas under their control especially where occidentals were residing.
Incidentally I understand that the Holy See has heard nothing more so far of Japanese intentions regarding the mission. [Tittmann.]
- Domenico Tardini, Papal Under Secretary of State.↩