Dearg code telegram from Joseph P. Walshe to Robert Brennan (Washington)
(No. 171)

Please approach State Department urgently in following sense.

As military operations approach the City, danger of grave destruction in Rome increases. There is now no time to consider neutral commissions, but we have good reason to believe that a statement by the American Government, owing to its enormous world prestige, would produce immediate results. The statement would have to set forth that (1) Americans do not intend to establish military centre in Rome, a promise which would not exclude policing and administration of City, and (2) that they will not attack or bombard the City provided Germans do not return there and use it as a military stronghold.

When talking to State Department, you should say that air attacks first on Cassino and recently on Gandolfo Castle by American planes have left impression of bewilderment on Catholics all over Europe, and that, without any doubt, the gesture now suggested would not only obliterate that memory but would leave America with enormously enhanced prestige. Emphasise once more that these representations are confidential, that we desire no kudos or publicity now or later, and that there can be no question but that any action taken by the American Government will be ex proprio motu.