Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume V

800.404/7–1549: Telegram

The Acting Representative at Vatican City (Gowen)¹ to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

Vatican City, July 15, 1949.

[Amvat] 24. Vatican Undersecretary State Montini² saw me today at my request re decree excommunicating active Communists.³ He said decree vitally important but not unexpected, as it is reaffirmation of existing fundamental principles and doctrines Catholic Church. It is most authoritative clarification emanating from supreme source, namely Holy Office Congregation, which has charge protection fundamental doctrines regulating Catholic Church and life, said Congregation corresponding to Supreme Court. Carrying Pope’s solemn approval as head of Church, decree removes all doubts which might have existed regarding applicability and interpretation of Catholic principles and renders uniform Vatican policy concerning communism ensuring consistency of Church policy and conduct towards communism in all countries.

Reference situation Catholic Church Iron Curtain countries, decree is solemn declaration communism is irreconcilable enemy Catholic Church and consequently also of Christianity. Decree, Montini added, may well cause rupture diplomatic relations between Vatican and those countries, and even more ruthless persecution Catholic Church; but Pope ready to take consequences in discharging his spiritual duties and responsibility, as no compromise possible.

Decree alerts and mobilizes powerful worldwide Catholic forces in struggle against communism, and marks Pope’s conviction point has been reached in which no longer possible entertain hope Catholic Church and Soviet-controlled governments can have normal relations. All doubts now removed in Catholic minds as to whether they could cooperate with communism or accept any portion its doctrines and still remain within Church. Hence, persons who join Communist Party, believing membership not inconsistent with Catholic religion, have been solemnly warned, and if they still remain in party and support its policies, they are banned from Church. Decree draws careful distinction between active supporters and propagandists of communism and those who only follow its policies without making active propaganda. Former are excommunicated outright, while latter are excluded from sacraments.

Montini said preliminary reports received by Vatican indicate courageous forthright stand taken by Pope for defense Christian principles favorably received in all countries where fundamental rights mankind are freely asserted and upheld. He criticized as slanderous, Communist reaction which endeavors to exploit decree to further Soviet propaganda.

Gowen

1. Franklin C. Gowen, Special Assistant to Myron 0. Taylor, Personal Representative of President Truman to Pope Pius XII.
2. Msgr. Giovanni Battista Montini, Substitute Secretary of State for Ordinary Affairs, Vatican Secretariat of State.

3. For the text of the Vatican decree under reference here, dated July 1, 1949, but released to the public on July 13, see Margaret Carlyle, Ed., Documents on International Affairs 1949–1950, issued under the auspices of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (London, New York, Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1953), p. 406 or J. B. Barron and H. M. Waddams, Communism and the Churches: A Documentation (London: S C M Press Ltd., 1950), pp. 90–100.

   The United States Government did not have prior knowledge of the Vatican Decree nor did it subsequently comment on the Decree, publicly or privately. A memorandum of July 29, prepared for the Secretary of State by Lucius D. Battle, his Special Assistant, read as follows:

   “The news ticker reports a story to the effect that Myron Taylor is said to have given a letter to the Archbishop in Czechoslovakia and/or to the Pope assuring one or the other of them that the United States is supporting them in their fight with Communism and that, therefore, the United States knew about and encouraged the Pope’s recent encyclical.

   So far as the President, Charlie Ross [Secretary to the President], and Bill Hassett [Secretary to the President] know no letter of any sort was given to either by Mr. Taylor. Does anyone in charge of Vatican Affairs here know anything about it?” (800.404/7–2949)

   Carlisle H. Humelsine, Executive Director of the Secretariat, passed the memorandum to Llewelyn E. Thompson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, for urgent comment. In a memorandum of July 29, Thompson replied as follows:

   “With reference to the Secretary’s memorandum of July 29, 1949 concerning the news ticker report of a letter from Myron Taylor to the Archbishop of Czechoslovakia and/or to the Pope, none of the officers of the Department responsible for Vatican City affairs is aware of any such letter. However, the Office of European Affairs is not ordinarily consulted or informed regarding Ambassador Taylor’s correspondence in his capacity as Personal Representative of the President, such matters usually being handled directly between the White House and Ambassador Taylor.

   In connection with the news ticker report, even if Ambassador Taylor had communicated with the Pope concerning our support of his fight against Communism, it would not necessarily follow that the United States Government had prior knowledge of the Pope’s encyclical.” (800.404/7–2949)