ADSS 10.216 Domenico Tardini to Angelo Rotta

ADSS: 10.216 Domenico Tardini to Angelo Rotta

Reference: AES 3317/44

Location and date: Vatican, 29.05.1944

Summary statement: Instructions for the nuncio concerning the Hungarian bishops.

Language: Italian

Text:

The Secretariat of State has received the communication from Your Most Reverend Excellency, number 915/44 about the Antisemitic legislation. (1)

My most eminent superior (2) has noted with painful interest the orders for harsh legal measures taken against the Jews, measures which have also affected many thousands of baptised, since the decrees are based, as they have said, on race.

The steps taken by your Excellency are in accord with those taken by the Holy See and other nations in defence of the principles of charity espoused by the Gospel and, therefore, the most eminent superior, has asked me to express his pleasure, sure that you will continue to do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of so many unhappy people.

From what your Excellency has written is seems that the episcopate is, in this respect, somewhat inert.  In order that the faithful not be surprised, the eminent superior is of the opinion you should make a discreet exhortation

Notes:

(1) See ADSS 10.172

(2) Luigi Maglione (1887-1944), Cardinal Secretary of State 1939-1944.  Domenico Tardini (1888-1961) was Maglione's principal assistant.

(3) See ADSS 10.242.  The same day Telegram 240 (AES 3285/44) signed by Maglione, was sent with summarised instructions (see ADSS 10.225, n3)