740.0011 European War 1939/31770: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
Bern, October
29, 1943—midnight.
[Received October 30—2:30 a.m.]
[Received October 30—2:30 a.m.]
6785. This is Tittmann’s 202, October 25.
- 1.
- On September 10 the Dean of Diplomatic Corps, who is the Brazilian Ambassador,62 was called to Secretariat of State and told that with imminent occupation of Rome by Germans situation of Vatican City had become “serious” and it was intimated to him precautionary measures should be taken by the several Diplomatic Missions resident in Vatican City to prevent their archives from falling into hands of Germans. This information was immediately conveyed by Brazilian Ambassador to his colleagues. At a meeting of Diplomatic Corps on September 14 the intimation from Vatican was confirmed and it was agreed by all to take precautionary measures suggested. At same meeting it was unanimously decided that if the Pope should be forcibly removed by Germans not only would the diplomats protest against the violence perpetrated but would also ask that they be allowed to accompany His Holiness. This latter decision was conveyed in writing by Brazilian Ambassador to Cardinal Secretary of State on September 17 and on September 29 a formal note of appreciation was received. It is known that the Pope has resolved not to move from Vatican unless physically forced to do so.
- 2.
- The anxiety displayed by Holy See with regard to possible violation of Vatican City neutrality during first days of German occupation of Rome would appear to have been progressively allayed to such an extent that at present moment atmosphere in Vatican can be described as optimistic. Vatican seems to be convinced Germans realize they would have more to lose by removing the Pope than by allowing him to remain here even though he may fall eventually under exclusive influence of Allies and to feel that for time being only danger is that a sudden outburst of anger against the church on part of Hitler himself might overrule the wiser counsels of those who have the long-term interests of Germany at heart. The consideration with which Germans have so far treated Holy See has contributed to creation of this sensation of relative security.
On other hand there are others, but apparently a minority, who persist in believing that Germans cannot afford to allow the Pope and the power of Catholic Church to escape from under their influence and that in the end they will take action accordingly. [Tittmann.]
Harrison
[For press release of November 9, 1943, regarding dropping of bombs on Vatican territory from an unidentified airplane, see Department of State Bulletin, November 13, 1943, page 319.]
- Hildebrando Pompeu Pinto Accioly.↩