ADSS 1.44 Amleto Cicognani, Apostolic Delegate USA to
Howard Carroll (1), Under-Secretary of the National Catholic Welfare Council.
Reference:
Attached to report number 366/39 (AES 4632/39)
Location
and date: Washington DC, 15.05.1939
Summary
statement: Pope asks that FDR be informed of his peace initiatives.
Language:
English
Text:
On
03.05.1939 his Eminence Cardinal Maglione, Secretary of State to His Holiness,
upon orders received from the Holy Father, directed the diplomatic
representatives of the Holy See in France, Germany, England, Italy and Poland
to consult with the heads of these Governments in order to determine their
intentions concerning peace, and to bring about a realisation that the present
international difficulties could find their best solution in a conference of
the nations concerned, rather than in wars and constant threats of war. The proposal of a conference was subordinated
to the possibility, necessity or usefulness of such a meeting in the present uncertain
political situation.
The
steps taken by the Holy See to learn the sentiments of these Governments, and to
create a better international feeling have had a measure of success. In fact the Holy See is of the impression
that the Governments consulted are sufficiently well disposed for peace and
reluctant to enter into war. There has
also been a noticeable betterment of the general situation and a conference
does not seem necessary at the present tie.
In the opinion of the Holy See the previous tense situation has somewhat
subsided.
The
Holy Father desires that the President of the United States be advised of these
steps, through the offices of the Apostolic Delegate, and that he be further
informed that His Holiness had intended to invoke his assistance and
co-operation in the event that the European Powers had acceded to the
suggestion of a Conference.
Notes:
(1)
Howard Carroll (1902-60) Secretary of the NCWC 1938-44.
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