Extract from a letter from Michael MacWhite to Joseph P. Walshe (Dublin)
(Personal and Confidential)

[matter omitted]

Monsignor O'Flaherty¹ of the Holy Office became renowned during the German occupation as the protector and guardian of British war prisoners who had found their way to Rome from the prison camps. He boasted that considerable sums of money were placed at his disposal for the purpose by Prince Doria who was appointed Mayor of Rome by the Allies as a reward for his generosity. O'F's activities got known to the Germans who probably made a protest to the Vatican as he was confined to Quarters for several months. I have also heard it stated that he acted as an agent for the British Minister to the Holy See in finding shelter, providing identity cards and in other ways aiding British agents and prisoners of war. As a recompense for these services he was recently permitted to go by air to South Africa to visit a Diocese to which he is supposed to be attached. On the way, he was conducted to the Pyramids and other show places, – all presumably at the cost of the British Government.