ADSS 1.228 Maglione notes: UK will not support Christmas truce

ADSS 1.228 Luigi Maglione, Sec State, notes

Reference: AES 9286/39

Location and date: Vatican, 16.12.1939

Summary statement: UK government will not support a Christmas truce.  French government confirms its refusal.

Language: Italian

Text:

The British Ambassador [sic] has communicated to me that his Government deeply regrets being unable – for technical reasons – to accept a truce for Christmas.

The French Ambassador, who had communicated the remarks made by me on Thursday to his Government concerning ther reasons given by his Government for rejecting the truce, informs me that his Government t hinks that the reasons given are still valid (1).

All this was told to me with great courtesy.

Notes: 

(1) ADSS 1.226