Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, Europe, Volume III

121.866A/224: Telegram

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

Washington, March 27, 1942—10 p.m.

804. For Tittmann. Your 48, March 23.⁴⁰ In the event of a private audience with the Pope in the near future, the President desires that you take the opportunity to reemphasize our deep-rooted objection to the establishment of diplomatic relations with Japan at this time for the reasons expressed in the Department’s 609 and 640 of March 6 and March 10, respectively, to Bern.⁴¹ Moreover you should express to the Holy Father the hope of this Government that diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the Governments of China and the Netherlands will be established as promptly as possible. For your information, I have had an opportunity during the last week to speak to representatives of these two Governments who agreed that such a step would be desirable at this time and who made recommendations in that sense to their respective Governments.

Is there any truth in report that Matsuoka⁴² will be first Japanese Ambassador to the Vatican?

Welles

40. Not printed.
41. Telegram No. 609 not printed.
42. Yosuke Matsuoka, former Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs.