701.9466A/9½
The Apostolic Delegation to the Department of State
Memorandum
In further reference to the matter of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Japan, this Apostolic Delegation has been directed by His Eminence, the Cardinal Secretary of State, to furnish the Government of the United States with more detailed explanation of the principles and particular reasons that have induced the Holy See to take such steps.
As was intimated in the Memorandum of March 3, 1942, the present attitude of the Holy See is nothing more than a confirmation of the answer regarding diplomatic relations with Japan given as far back as 1922. If no conclusion was reached at that time it was due to opposition in Japan. The project was again seriously discussed in 1939. Now the Japanese Government, enjoying special powers, has renewed such request, and the Holy See could not contradict its previous adherence to the plan, especially lest a negative reply be interpreted as a mark of political partiality.
The presence in the Vatican of missions of various belligerent countries which are at war with each other, does not diminish but rather emphasizes the strictest impartiality of the Holy See. In fact during the first World War, in the year 1914, a diplomatic mission of Great Britain was accepted by the Holy See after the outbreak of hostilities, and no difficulties were occasioned by this act.
It is obvious moreover, both in the present time of war, as in time of peace, that the presence of diplomatic missions in the Vatican from various nations of the world, does not signify approval by the Holy See of every action or attitude of the Nations sending such missions. Certainly the acceptance of these missions cannot legitimately be interpreted as an adherence of the Holy See to one or the other of the groups of nations engaged in the present conflict.
[Page 785]From the practical point of view it must be admitted that the Holy See has vast interests in the Far East and these she has the right and duty to safeguard by every available means. The missionary enterprises of the Catholic Church in the Far East are the fruits of centuries of sacrifice and blood of martyrs, and in the present circumstances the Holy See is faced with the alternative of either completely abandoning these fields or continuing by every legitimate means to foster these undertakings for the good of souls.
The relations of the Holy See with belligerent nations, as with those at peace, are most useful for its works of charity, and particularly for its constant efforts for peace, especially in seeking the Collaboration of all nations for charitable enterprises and for the return of international concord.
The Holy See confidentially and as a mark of courtesy communicated to the Governments of Great Britain and the United States the answer given to the Government of Japan. To the great surprise of the Holy See this news appeared in the press of Switzerland on February 23, and again on March 3, the Reuter Agency published that the British Government would protest. In view of this publicity, any change in the attitude of the Holy See would certainly be interpreted as an adherence to the will of one of the belligerent groups, with the consequent lessening of her complete impartiality.
In presenting these further clarifications to the Government of the United States, the Holy See expresses the hope that both the general and particular motives above expressed will be fully appreciated, and if the occasion arises, made known to the authorities concerned, and also to the general public if need be, in the interest of truth, justice and harmony.