ADSS 1.119 Tardini to Orsenigo: request for information on German response to Britain's note.

ADSS 1.119 Domenico Tardini, Secretariat of State, to Cesare Orsenigo, Germany.

Reference: Telegram 105; AES 5625/39.

Location and date: Vatican, 25.08.1939

Summary statement: Request for information regarding Hitler’s response to Henderson’s note and about German feelings regarding a truce.

Language: Italian

Text:

Coded message number 333 received. (1)

August Pontiff, prompted by His fatherly care, is prepared to make any tentative effort to avoid war.  He would like, however, to know before hand from Your Excellency whether:

1. The information given to You Excellency about Hitler’s reply to British Ambassador is certain because, according to news received here, Hitler replied that British intervention could not make him renounce vital German requirements.

2. Eventual action by Holy Father about “truce regarding minorities” would be well received in Germany.

Notes: 

(1) ADSS 1.117.