740.0011 European War 1939/34815
The Apostolic Delegate at Washington (Cicognani) to the Secretary of State
Washington, June 12,
1944.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to
submit the enclosed Memorandum which contains the substance of a
communication just received from His Eminence, the Cardinal Secretary of
State, in reference to the Allied occupation of Rome.
With the assurances of my highest considerations, and of my deep personal
regard, I remain
Yours very sincerely,
A. G. Cicognani
Archbishop of Laodicea
[Annex]
The Apostolic Delegate at Washington
(Cicognani) to the Secretary of State
Memorandum
His Eminence, the Cardinal Secretary of State, has expressed the deep
concern of the Holy See due to the continued presence of large
bodies of Allied troops within the city limits of Rome, together
with large quantities of military equipment. His Eminence voices the
fear that the presence of these troops and equipment, and the
constant use of the city of Rome for the transportation of war
materials, may offer occasion for the further endangering the city,
whose safety has thus far been assured only by the greatest
effort.
The Apostolic Delegate in the United States has been directed by His
Eminence respectfully to present to the Allied Governments, and the
Allied High Command, the plea of the Holy See that the military
authorities limit the troops within Rome to those necessary for
police duty, and that they avoid the accumulation of war matériel
and the transportation of the same through the city proper. It is
observed that the road net-works outside and around the city of Rome
are sufficiently developed to maintain military traffic in all
directions without resorting to direct transit through the Eternal
City.
[Page 1313]
In presenting the foregoing the Apostolic Delegate fosters the hope
that the request of His Eminence will be given every possible
consideration in order that the safety of Rome may not be further
threatened.
Washington,
June 12,
1944.
