ADSS 1.136 Cortesi to Maglione: Polish gov't afraid of concessions

ADSS 1.136 Filippo Cortesi, Poland, to Luigi Maglione, Sec State.

Reference: Telegram number 35; AES 5659/39

Location and date: Warsaw, 27.08.1939

Summary statement: Polish Government afraid of concessions knowing Hitler's attitude and propensity for extending claims.

Language: Italian

Text:

Foreign Minister expresses fear Germans may take advantage of Polish statement as formulated by Berlin apostolic Nuncio as confirmation of alleged persecution against Government [sic]; suggests as preferable “Holy See’s invitation to both Governments to stop excitement caused in their respective nations by the minorities situation.”

Government bases its fears on Hitler’s well known intention to bring question on minorities extending territorial claims and on Hitler’s reply to British Prime Minister’s letter in which he renews necessity to settle question with Poland. (1)

As soon as this reply was known Government has called other classes to arms.

(Coded despatch number 44 for Apostolic Nunciature at 20.00, lodged protest).

Note from Office: Coded despatch number 44 had been transmitted at 16.15.

Notes: 

(1) ADSS 1.117, n2.