ADSS 1.79; 1.80 Maglione to Cortesi and Orsenigo: calming tensions

ADSS 1.79 Luigi Maglione, Sec State, to Filippo Cortesi, Poland.

Reference: Telegram 36 (AES 4182/39)

Location and date: Vatican, 01.07.1939

Summary statement: Dispatch of ADSS 1.78.

Language: Italian

Text:

Telegram as per ADSS 1.78.

ADSS 1.80 Luigi Maglione, Sec State, to Cesare Orsenigo, Germany.

Reference: AES 4119/39

Location and date: Vatican, 01.07.1939

Summary statement: Advises Orsenigo of advice of prudence sent to Warsaw and Hlond.  Hope that the German gov’t will do likewise.

Language: Italian

Text:

Having noted that Baron von Weizsäcker mentioned to you “the moderating influence that could be exerted on the Polish population by the Catholic clergy” (1) I think it right to inform you that the Holy See has repeatedly taken action in this sense.  Even recently, namely on 16 June 1939 (2), by august order of His Holiness, I instructed his Excellency, Monsignor Cortesi, Apostolic Nuncio in Warsaw, to renew the recommendations already made to the Polish Government.  On the 22 June the Nuncio communicated to me the reply given by his Excellency, the Minister for Foreign Affairs (3), who told him that “Poland will maintain the prudent and moderate attitude observed so far notwithstanding the numerous incidents intentionally provoked by the other side.”

In addition, the August Pontiff, wishing not to miss an opportunity to do something on behalf of peace, has instructed me immediately to invite the Apostolic Nuncio in Warsaw to beg Cardinal Hlond to do his utmost that the Polish clergy should exhort a moderating influence on the faithful. (4)

I need not add that the Holy See is certain that for her part Germany will remain calm and prudent as is required at such a delicate moment.

Notes: 

(1) ADSS 1.71.  Ernst von Weizsäcker (1882-1952), German Secretary of State, Foreign Office 1938-1943. 

(2) ADSS 1.64.  Filippo Cortesi (1876-1947), Nuncio to Poland 1936-47.

(3) ADSS 1.70.  Józef Beck (1894-1944), Polish Foreign Minister 1932-39.

(4) ADSS 1.78.  August Hlond (1881-1948), Primate of Poland and Cardinal Archbishop of Poznan 1926-46.