No. 435 NAI DFA Secretary's Files P77
Personal code telegram from Thomas J. Kiernan to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(No. 76)
HOLY SEE, 24 May 1944
Since my telegram 74,1 Cardinal, having seen the Pope, has spoken to me again as follows:-
Taoiseach should continue on the lines of your telegram 622 specially favourable position of Ireland being of greatest importance. Double action with Americans and Germans, such as Holy See is taking via Delegate at Washington with German Ambassador to the Holy See, is advised in three stages:-
- present position: Germany to continue to avoid using Rome as a military centre; Allies continuing to abstain from bombardment:
- battle around Rome: Germans to be reminded of their national fame for culture and their historic respect of Rome; Allies not to attack City; Germans not to defend:
- after withdrawal: Allies to avoid giving any excuse for bombardment by Germans.
The Holy See regard first point as already gained, and recommend double action by Minister regarding second, and continuation of action with Americans regarding third.
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