ADSS 1.135 Cortesi to Maglione:

ADSS 1.135 Filippo Cortesi, Poland, to Luigi Maglione, Sec State.

Reference: Telegram number 34; AES 5657/39

Location and date: Warsaw, 27.08.1939

Summary statement: Polish Government afraid of concessions, but has some hope after President Roosevelt's appeal.  Government is in agreement with the principles of the papal appeal and is remaining calm despite German provocations.

Language: Italian

Text:

I have given communication of coded despatch Number 42 (1) as information.

Foreign Minister (2) does not reject the idea but he thinks dangerous to offer any concession; he points out that situation was showing some improvement and that favourable reply to proposal of the United States President opened way to agreement.  Government expresses formal acceptance of principles enunciated in Holy Father’s message, does not want anything but a peaceful solution, keeps calm although confronted by continuous provocations and, firm (in) its determination to defend nation; has completed mobilisation border army.  I made communication late last evening of coded despatch Number 44; Foreign Minister is grateful to Holy See, promises to reply today after consultation President Council of Ministers.(3)

Notes: 

(1) ADSS 1.128.

(2) Jozef Beck (1894-1944), Polish Foreign Minister 1932-39.

(3) ADSS 1.133. Felicjan Skladkowski (1885-1962), Polish Prime Minister (President of the Council of Minsters) 1936-39.