ADSS 1.195 Cortesi to Maglione: Poland is collapsing

ADSS 1.195 Filippo Cortesi, Poland, to Luigi Maglione, Sec State.

Reference: Telegram 42

Location and date: rec’d Rome 09.09.1939

Summary statement: Military situation in Poland is catastrophic.

Language: Italian

Text:

Following my coded telegram number 42 (1) on the same day, together with Counsellor and entire Diplomatic Corps, I followed Government to Krzemieniec, Luceoria [Lublin] Diocese.

Military situation almost catastrophic, army fights heroically, hence firm faith in final triumph. (2)

Nunciature entrusted to well known priest Assistant Secretary. (3)

Notes: 

(1) ADSS 1.189

(2) Krakow fell to the Germans on 07.09.1939, Lodz and Radom fell on 08.09, and the Wehrmacht reached the outskirts of Warsaw on the same day.  The city held out until 28.09.1939.

(3) Alfredo Pacini (1888-1967), Chargé d’affaires, Warsaw 1935-44.