740.0011 European War 1939/34195: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 9—10:03 p.m.]
2939. Tittmann’s 162, May 3.
I have now received a note dated May 2 from Holy See regarding Allied air attack on convoy of 52 Vatican motor vehicles reported in [Page 1302] my 161, May 3.38 Note begins by stating that unfortunately it has not so far been possible to put an end to these attacks which are a source of injury and constitute a serious threat to functioning of Vatican truck service. This service is employed solely for urgent needs of Vatican City State and charitable work of Holy Father in behalf of city of Rome which is in his diocese. After reciting with only slight variations details of attack as already reported note states that in view of perfect visibility, the noonday hour, the low altitude at which aircraft were flying and previous warning given of dates and itinerary of convoy in question (see my 148, April 2638) positive identification of Vatican column should have been a simple matter and that consequently the fact cannot be explained unless by admitting either deliberate aggression or at least extreme negligence and carelessness on part of aviators.
Note goes on to say that Holy See feels obliged furthermore to call attention in following manner to seriousness of situation and of consequences which may fatally result from repetition of such occurrences:
(a) Holy See which has suffered losses in personnel and vehicles in connection with this humanitarian work of relief cannot conceal its pained astonishment and disillusionment at repetition of such attacks on its convoys, attacks which can only be regarded as prejudicial to moral prestige of Allies.
(b) The disorders which might at any moment break out in city as result of hunger would have their inevitable and immediate reaction in Vatican City itself: The security of its inhabitants, the members of Diplomatic Corps there residing and sacred person of Holy Father himself would all be exposed to obvious peril. If unfortunately something like this should happen the Catholic and civilized world would certainly be disturbed thereby and in ensuing public controversy on the matter responsibility could be easily laid partly to fact that city was deprived of last means of subsistence left to it by occupying power.
A famine with all its terrible and unpredictable consequences impends over city of Rome whose civilian population as a result of war has increased to almost two million inhabitants helpless unconcerned in conduct of war and a great many of them destitute. There is no other means of supplying the vast city with food except by track and to this service Vatican vehicles have generously contributed. It seems unbelievable that Allies could wish to deprive population of this ultimate means of subsistence.
Note concludes with request that assurances be given to Holy See such as to enable it not to suspend, because of the very serious risks of life and Vatican property, so urgent and charitable a service and [Page 1303] asks for my intervention in order that those serious anxieties may be removed.
Repeated to Algiers. [Tittmann.]