Telegram from Frederick H. Boland to Seán Nunan (Washington DC)
(No.58) (Immediate)

Please arrange a call on Secretary of State as soon as possible and deliver personally to him the following message from the Minister:

'Considerable anxiety is felt by the Irish Government concerning the ultimate fate of Cardinal Mindszenty. His "trial" is scheduled for the 3rd February. The outcome of the "trial? would seem to be a foregone conclusion. It is felt by the Irish Government that, apart from the obvious injustices involved, the "trial? and probable execution of Cardinal Mindszenty would constitute a further cause of bitterness and strife.

On behalf of the Irish Government, I have sought facilities for visit and personal access to Cardinal Mindszenty, but these facilities have not been granted. I felt that this request might act as a brake on the Hungarian Government.

It occurred to me that it might be possible for President Truman to intervene personally with the Hungarian Government on behalf of the Cardinal and I accordingly decided to lay this suggestion respectfully before Your Excellency. Such a personal intervention might possibly succeed. In any event, the President would gain the approval of the Christian world by making such a personal intervention in the name of religious and human liberty.

Your Excellency will be the best judge of whether such a personal intervention by the President is desirable or feasible, and I trust that Your Excellency will forgive me for having taken the liberty of making this suggestion'.

Message ends.

Explain to Secretary of State that Minister's message is merely a suggestion that had occurred to him. Seek to ascertain whether any diplomatic representations have been made to the Hungarian Government and if so, with what result. If opportunity offers, suggest that State Department might, through its Diplomatic channels, support application made by Minister for facilities to visit the Cardinal. Wire result of interview.