ADSS 1.278 Giobbe to Maglione: German attack imminent?

ADSS 1.278 Paolo Giobbe, Hague (1), to Luigi Malgione, Sec State

Reference: Telegram 26 (AES 3068/40)

Location and date: The Hague, 09.04.1940 (arrived Rome 10.04.1940)

Summary statement: Request for information about an imminent German attack against Holland.

Language: Italian

Text:

Events which have taken place lately, and news received, trouble this Government which, fearing imminent invasion by German troops has taken serious and urgent measures.  In the supposition that the Holy See is able to give some information about this supposed threat, this Government asks me to address myself to Your Eminence for advice.  Please telegraph reply (2).

Notes:

(1) Paolo Giobbe (1880-1972) Internuncio to the Netherlands 1935-58.

(2) Pasquale Diana (1890-1970) Italian Ambassador to The Hague, 1938-40, commented on 11.04.1940 of the unease of Dutch political circles in the wake of the German invasion of Norway on 08-09/04.1940.  DDI, Series 9, Volume 4, n47, pp33-34.